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(Chris Graythen | Getty Photos)
Properly BBN, it’s formally that point. You recognize, the center of the low season. The saddest, darkest time of 12 months. Each Kentucky basketball fan’s worst nightmare. However fret not – it’ll be again earlier than you recognize it. Proper now, we’re sitting at 252 days till Choice Sunday…not that we’re counting or something.
To assist move the time, I made an inventory of my favourite Kentucky NCAA Event video games within the John Calipari period. As you may think about, this was robust. Now we have been fortunate sufficient to see some classics, in spite of everything. However after spending numerous hours on YouTube watching previous video games and consulting among the greatest followers I do know, that is what I got here up with. Right here we go.
***WARNING*** – in case you are not a fan of the 2013-14 staff…this text may not be for you.
#10 – Kentucky vs. West Virginia, 2010-11 Spherical of 32
TAMPA, Fl. – This one may shock you. No, this sport didn’t have a loopy last-second end. Nevertheless, it had one thing equally as nice – revenge. After West Virginia booted John Wall and Boogie’s proficient staff far too early the 12 months earlier than, this one was private. Kentucky level guard Brandon Knight had scored only one basket in Kentucky’s opener vs. Princeton, which they narrowly escaped from. He confirmed up for this one, although. Knight’s career-high 30 factors coupled with a 12-point, 10-assist double-double from Terrence Jones sealed the deal for the ‘Cats, who went on to win 71-63.
#9 – Kentucky vs. Notre Dame, 2014-15 Elite 8
CLEVELAND, Ohio – In maybe their hardest check of the season so far, the undefeated ‘Cats stood agency when perfection was on the road. Notre Dame was the No. 8 staff within the nation, they usually certain backed it up with this efficiency. The rating was tied a lot of the sport, however the ‘Cats pulled away in the long run. Andrew Harrison hit two clutch free throws with simply six seconds remaining to provide his staff the lead and a visit to the Ultimate 4. We gained’t speak about what occurred there…
#8 – Kentucky vs. Wichita State, 2013-14 Spherical of 32
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The start of a nice story. The No. 8 seed ‘Cats entered this one a transparent underdog. Not solely had they struggled to shut out the common season, however they have been additionally going through No. 1 seed Wichita State. The Shockers have been undefeated, however they hadn’t but confronted a staff with battle like this one. The Harrison twins mixed for 39 factors and Julius Randle added 13 of his personal because the ‘Cats ended Wichita State’s excellent season. Shocker guard Fred VanVleet had an opportunity to win it with seconds left, however the basketball Gods had different plans. The remainder is historical past – stunning historical past.
#7 – Kentucky vs. Houston, 2018-19 Candy 16
KANSAS CITY, M0. – What a thriller this one was. After two weeks on the sidelines with a sprained left foot, Wildcat ahead P.J. Washington returned to assist the Wildcats defeat the No. 3 seed Houston Cougars. Washington got here off the bench to attain 16 factors in 26 minutes whereas Tyler Herro earned his well-known nickname of “The Bucket.” Herro ended with 19 factors, together with a clutch three with 25 seconds left to provide Kentucky the lead. We miss you, Mr. Bucket.
#6 – Kentucky vs. Louisville, 2013-14 Candy 16
INDIANAPOLIS, In. – Coming off their 2013 Nationwide Championship win (kinda), Rick Pitino’s Cardinals appeared to defend their title. Louisville led for almost all of the sport, stretching their result in as many as 13 factors. However not so quick – Aaron Harrison would love a phrase. This was his first large shot of the legendary match run, giving the ‘Cats their first lead of the sport with solely 39 seconds left. Harrison ended with 15 factors, as did Julius Randle and Dakari Johnson.
#5 – Kentucky vs. Ohio State, 2010-11 Candy 16
NEWARK, Nj. – This sport was a late one. My mother made me go to mattress earlier than it ended, however I snuck out to cover behind the sofa and watch. When Brandon Knight hit a 15-foot dagger with 5 seconds left to beat the No. 1 seed Ohio State Buckeyes, I naturally screamed in pleasure. My cowl was blown and I used to be grounded. It was price it although, as a result of this sport was a enjoyable one. Josh Harrellson led the ‘Cats with 17 factors, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Knight was comparatively quiet with solely 9 factors, however two of them have been a very powerful of the sport.
#4 – Kentucky vs. Michigan, 2013-14 Elite 8
INDIANAPOLIS, In. – I feel I can communicate for your entire BBN once I say this match run was some of the enjoyable I’ve ever watched. After shedding 3/6 video games to shut the common season, Aaron Harrison assured the BBN to be calm. Harrison instructed us that the ‘Cats nonetheless had some battle in them, and their post-season can be a “nice story” – and boy was he proper. Julius Randle led the staff with 16 factors, however it was Harrison who gained the sport with a last-second three-pointer from NBA vary as Kentucky beat Michigan 75-72 to advance to the Ultimate 4.
#3 – Kentucky vs. Louisville, 2011-12 Ultimate 4
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Beating Louisville is at all times superior, however it’s further superior when it’s within the Ultimate 4. Anthony Davis was named AP Nationwide Participant of the Yr simply the day earlier than this sport, and he made certain to point out the world why. Davis racked up an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double, together with 5 blocks. Darius Miller got here off the bench to tack on 13 factors of his personal because the ‘Cats gained 69-61 to advance to the Nationwide Championship sport. Although there may be nonetheless debate as as to whether Davis exclaimed “That is my state” or “That is my sh*t” after the sport, it was iconic nonetheless.
#2 – Kentucky vs. Wisconsin, 2013-14 Ultimate 4
DALLAS, Tx. – “That is the purpose the place he at all times hits it!”
These phrases nonetheless give me chills to this very day. I used to be blessed sufficient to see this one in individual, and I’m fairly certain it’s going to at all times be the very best day of my life (sure, even after marriage and youngsters). Andrew Harrison fouled Wisconsin’s Traevon Jackson to provide the Badgers three free throws with simply 15 seconds remaining and suck the life out of the Kentucky part. Jackson was 27-29 from the free-throw line in his earlier two video games, in spite of everything. Fortunately, he missed his first – and Aaron Harrison made him pay.
It was Aaron’s first three-point try of the evening, and he actually made it depend.
#1 – Kentucky vs. Kansas, 2011-12 Nationwide Championship
NEW ORLEANS, La. – As if there may very well be another #1, proper? What a sport and what a staff this was. After dominating their first 5 video games of the match, the Wildcats have been set to face the No. 2 seed Kansas Jayhawks within the Nationwide Championship. The 2 groups had confronted off earlier within the season, with the ‘Cats successful handily. This sport was no totally different.
Doron Lamb led with 22 factors as Kentucky went on to beat Kansas 67-59, giving the ‘Cats their eighth title. Future No. 1 decide within the NBA draft Anthony Davis struggled offensively, however made up for it on protection. ‘The Forehead’ ended with 16 rebounds, three steals and 6 blocks. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist tacked on 11 factors, however maybe his most iconic second got here when he blocked Kansas’ Tyshawn Taylor with a minute remaining within the sport. Legend has it Coach Cal nonetheless talks about MKG’s unbelievable hustle play.
So what are your favourite match video games, BBN?
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