Kentucky Basketball: Top 30 Wildcats games in John Calipari Era
Mar 16, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Andrew Harrison (5) and Florida Gators guard Scottie Wilbekin (5) dive after the loose ball as time expires during the second half in the championship game for the SEC college basketball tournament at Georgia Dome. Florida defeated Kentucky 61-60. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
#30. 2014 SEC Championship
The Kentucky Wildcats took an L in the 2014 SEC Championship against the well-deserving Florida Gators. However, this was the game that lit the fire in the Wildcats, showing them they can compete with the best, sparking a run to the National Championship game.
After losing to the Florida Gators twice already, first 59-69 at Rupp and then 65-84 in Gainesville, it was almost written in the stars that they were going to get blown out by the Gators.
However, they only lost by one point. ONE. They even had a chance to take the last second shot and win the game, but James Young slipped, causing the Wildcats to wind up on the 60-61 losing end of the game.
Prior to the SEC Tournament, this Wildcat team looked completely done, nothing was working, they were getting obliterated and were basically outplayed on all cylinders by teams with minimal top players. That all changed and everyone really started to believe that this team might have a chance, all it took was a one point loss to one of the nation’s top teams.
Next: Beginning of the Unknown
Mar 21, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Julius Randle (30) reaches for a loose ball ahead of Kansas State Wildcats forward Thomas Gipson (42) in the second half during the 2nd round of the 2014 NCAA Men
#29. Kentucky vs Kansas State
(13-14)
This was the beginning of the unknown for the Kentucky Wildcats. This was their first game of the 2014 NCAA Tournament and it seemed pretty daunting, they were in an extremely tough region and hopes were high, but cautiously throughout the Big Blue Nation. Fans were excited, but also knew that there was a strong chance that this team wouldn’t get far into the post-season.
The Wildcats were an 8 seed, the Kansas State Wildcats were the 9. It seemed to be an evenly matched game seed-wise. However, many knew that the Wildcats should’ve been seeded just a bit higher, but hey, they proved that themselves. They pulled out the 56-49 win in St. Louis behind Julius Randle’s 19 points and 15 rebounds, a solid double-double, and behind Andrew Harrison’s 5 assists. It wasn’t ever really a terribly close game, kind of felt as if the momentum was with the Kentucky Wildcats throughout most of the game.
Even after this win, no one really knew what to expect, especially when they saw the teams that the Wildcats could be facing in the next round. It was scary. It was confusing. It was worth it.
We have much more to cover from this wild season within the Top 30, it was a wild ride, but a ride the Big Blue Nation will never forget.
Next: Arrival of the Tweak