Kentucky matched their overtime loss to a top five team with a complete breakdown against a below .500 team. No matter the case, losing a 21-point lead to any team is unacceptable in February.

No Bench

Kentucky's bench contributed a total of 4 points in the loss. Marcus Lee and Skal Labissiere split a basket a piece in the Kentucky collapse.

The lack of points provided by Kentucky's bench in a game where Alex Poythress and Isaiah Briscoe spent the majority of the second half with four fouls doomed the Wildcats. Without backup in a game with starters in foul trouble, it was impossible for Kentucky to win.

Two-Faced Tennessee

In the early going, the Volunteers looked the worst they have been all season. They were throwing easy passes out of bounds and not communicating on defense. Their shots weren't falling or even getting remotely close to the rim.

Then, that changed in an instant. Tennessee hit a three and they never looked like their old self. They ended the half on a 23-8 run that cut a 21-point Kentucky lead to only six at half time.

After the half, the Vols were relentless to stay in the game with Kentucky. They never let Kentucky pull away and applied constant pressure to the Kentucky guards.

They took a 2-point lead mid-way through the second half, and Kentucky seemed to be fighting from behind the rest of the way.

It was unclear how Kentucky let a 21-point lead slip so quickly, but it's obvious whatever switch Tennessee flipped, they kept it on.

Ulis Can't Do It Alone

Tyler Ulis found himself trying to create for his team in the late-going of a game that was slipping away once again. This is a sight people know all too well from all six of Kentucky's losses.

This time, Ulis had help from his teammate Jamal Murray. Murray hit a 3-pointer late to cut the deficit to three and kept the Wildcats alive. His following two attempts, however, would not find the bottom of the net.

Ulis did get even more unhealthy in the middle of this contest, however. He already is battling a flu and had to have an inhaler on the bench, but he also rolled his ankle in the first half.

The feisty defender spent a minute on the floor working his foot before getting up and trying to stop the Tennessee offense from scoring; he didn't.

He did instantly tie his shoe tighter and, after the timeout, came back out onto the floor without extra tape.

He's a furious competitor and not many injuries or illnesses can stop him from playing. The only thing is, Kentucky needs more from players to take the weight off his shoulders despite him being able to handle it.

Randy Sartin - USA TODAY Sports

If others don't help Ulis try to win ball games, Kentucky goes nowhere. Once this team meshes and stops trying to find their ball-handler and just goes, then, and only then, will they be ready for big teams.

Player Statistics

Kevin Punter Jr.- Punter changed his shot from last year and was able to sink Kentucky with it this year. He shot 7-19 from the field but had a game-high 27 points in the win.

Jamal Murray- Murray took a step back with some ill-advised shots in this game, but still managed to help Kentucky stay in it late. He finished with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Tyler Ulis- Ulis had his 5th straight 20-point outing and continues to dominant competition. He finished with 20 points, five assists and fouled out.

Armani Moore- With Poythress in foul trouble Moore was able to go at Derek Willis down low and use his size against the smaller Willis. He had 18 points and 13 rebounds on 5-11 shooting.

Upcoming Schedule

Florida and #20 Kentucky 2/6/16

Tennessee at Arkansas 2/6/16

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