Kentucky basketball Wins! Kentucky basketball wins! Oh my God, Kentucky basketball wins!
Ok so I changed the subject name but just like Harry Doyle (AKA Bob Uecker) says in the movie Major League ” The Indians win it. The Indians win it. Oh my God, the Indians win it.” The same line could be heard all around Big Blue Nation just insert Kentucky basketball in there.
In a year of frustration for Kentucky basketball, Saturday’s heroic come from behind, fight off the Auburn rally and jump for joy 82-80 victory is something to relish.
Kentucky graduate senior Isaish Jackson said the vibe afterward was much more enjoyable.
"“It’s been a heavy burden lately finishing out close games. We would be up in games and then just lose the lead. But this game we finally put everything together and we got the win today. So, everyone’s really happy and excited about the game…. It just gives us confidence when playing close games like this and being able to close them out for a win, so it just feels good for us moving forward.”"
Just enjoy the moments and take them for what they are.
Embroiled in another play from behind game Kentucky found a way to win
Kentucky (6-13, 5-7 in the Southeastern Conference) got off to another frigid start and it appeared they would have to play from behind yet again. Such was the case for the entire first half and then briefly into the second.
Then they found new life.
Had the Wildcats scored the same points on Tuesday they would have upended Arkansas instead of the 81-80 heartbreak they endured.
Both Auburn and Kentucky each had been struggling to find their identities and wins, but on Saturday it was the turnovers that plagued the Tigers and not UK as the case has been most of the season.
Auburn (11-11, 5-8) gave it away 17 times that led to 24 Kentucky points while the Cats turned it over 13 times. That stat is something coach John Calipari has said time and time again that he can live with if it’s 12 or 13 a game -just not bad miscues.
Here are the three takeaways from this game.