The confetti has fallen (metaphorically). The scuffles are over. The "Calipari Bowl" is won.
Kentucky fans are waking up this morning feeling like a million bucks. The "White Out" was silenced, the "Ref Show" was overcome, and the vindication is sweet.
But now comes the hardest part of the season: The Hangover, no not the movie.
On Wednesday night, the Oklahoma Sooners come to Rupp Arena.
On paper, this should be a game that allows Kentucky to keep the momentum going. Oklahoma is 1-8 in the SEC. They have lost eight straight games. Their coach, Porter Moser, is likely coaching for his job.
And that is exactly why this game is terrifying.
The "Vanderbilt" lesson
We have seen this movie before. Just last week, in fact. Kentucky walked into Nashville feeling good, underestimated a desperate opponent, and got punched in the mouth.
The emotional tank is currently sitting on "Empty."
You cannot simulate the level of adrenaline Kentucky used to beat Arkansas. Otega Oweh was ready to fight. Trent Noah was battling giants. Mark Pope was getting technicals. The whole team is going to be feeling good, but emotionally spent.
To come down from that emotional high and get up for a struggling Oklahoma team on a random Wednesday in February? That is the ultimate test of maturity. Something the Cats have not always shown this year.
Desperation is dangerous
Oklahoma is not a bad team either. They have lost 8 straight, but there are some nail-biters in there:
- Lost by 2 to Alabama after controlling a large chunk of the game
- Lost by 1 to Missouri in OT
- Lost by 4 to Arkansas
And they are desperate for a win, sitting at just 11-11, 1-8, if they don't turn it around now, their season is over. They have guards like Nijel Pack who can get hot and ruin your night if you aren't locked in.
If Kentucky shows up sleepwalking, thinking they can just "flip the switch" because they beat Arkansas, they will lose.
Mark Pope proved he could get his team ready for war in Fayetteville. Now, he has to prove he can get them ready for a grind in Lexington. The Arkansas win was cathartic. But if you give it right back by losing to Oklahoma, all that "toughness" we just celebrated goes out the window.
Don't eat the cheese, Cats. The job isn't done, or you will find yourself right back in the mud fighting for your tournament lives.