Kentucky Basketball: Top 30 Wildcats games in John Calipari Era

Dec 12, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari reacts during the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Arizona State 72-58. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

20. Louisville Cardinals vs Kentucky Wildcats 

2012 Final Four

What is better than beating your arch-rival?

Beating them in the Final Four.

The Kentucky Wildcats were destined for the 2012 National Championship, but the Louisville Cardinals stood in their way.

This was scary for the Big Blue Nation. They knew that Rick Pitino was a magician in March.

They had already faced the Wildcats once this year and you know it’s hard to bet a team twice, especially in the Final Four. Crazier things have happened in the NCAA Tournament than a #1 seed losing.

It was a gritty game, but the Wildcats never looked scared. They knew that the National Championship was on the other side of this win. They knew what they were destined to do. They took every punch in the gut and threw two back. This win was one of the sweetest wins. In fact, I was lucky enough to be able to go to this game in New Orleans, I even popped a blood vessel in my hand from clapping so much. It was crazy.

The NCAA tried to shake them, but they still pulled out the win.

Next: Overtime in Rupp