Caldwell sped through a postgame handshake line with Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin after the final buzzer sounded. The Tennessee coach didn’t slow down when she walked up to McPhee-McCuin, who paused for a handshake. Caldwell appeared to walk past the Ole Miss coach, barely acknowledging McPhee-McCuin’s presence as she exited the court.
McPhee-McCuin, who appeared to laugh after the move, hugged a Tennessee assistant coach and continued through the line. Postgame, McPhee-McCuin said she wasn’t bothered by Caldwell’s actions.
‘I think she was probably just really ready to go,’ McPhee-McCuin said.
‘Because I like Kim. Sometimes, I don’t ever take stuff like that personally because the emotions — we’re competitive. She’s at Tennessee, and that’s a lot of history behind that place.’
The Vols had few answers for Ole Miss, which held a double-digit lead by halftime. Forward Cotie McMahon had 39 points, 10 rebounds and five assists as the Rebels poured on the scoring. During the third quarter, the lead ballooned to as much as 26 points.Tennessee allowed 42 points in the paint and found itself in foul trouble as it suffered its eighth loss this season and fifth loss in the last seven games.
Still, McPhee-McCuin seemed to understand Caldwell’s frustration and poor response after the loss.
‘So, maybe she was in a rush or maybe she was upset, and I respect both of them,’ she said. ‘For me, I was just glad we got the win.’