Following a disappointing loss to Vanderbilt, Kentucky Wildcats player Jacob Toppin took full responsibility for the defeat. Toppin acknowledged not only his mistake in getting beat on a drive to the basket but also for talking back to coach John Calipari during the game. The player publicly apologized for his actions on the Kentucky Radio Network, and even went further to personally apologize to every coach.
However, Toppin redeemed himself in the following game against Arkansas, leading Kentucky to an 88-79 victory. Toppin put up 21 points, including two crucial 3-pointers that stopped Arkansas’ momentum in its tracks. The player’s performance was especially impressive considering that Kentucky was short-handed, missing two point guards due to injuries, and had one player dealing with a rib injury.
Coach Calipari called upon Toppin to play point guard at times, and he rose to the challenge by calling plays and directing other players. “Kentucky’s length really bothered the perimeter players of Arkansas, especially Toppin,” CBS-TV analyst Steve Lappas said. Calipari also utilized Toppin’s size advantage to disrupt Arkansas guard Anthony Black, who had previously caused problems for Kentucky in the previous game.
Toppin’s performance in the game against Arkansas was his fourth 20-point game and tied his career best against an SEC opponent. Toppin has now scored in double-figures in 13 or his last 14 outings. He’s really starting to develop into the player everyone has thought he could be. His remarkable display helped Kentucky secure an important victory and bounce back from their previous loss.
Statistics from the game show Toppin’s impressive contribution to the win, with 21 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field and 7-for-8 at the foul line. He also had four rebounds, one block, and one steal while playing 38 minutes. With Toppin’s performance and leadership on the court, the loss against Vanderbilt is now a distant memory.
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