Madison Square Garden, often called "The Mecca of Basketball," has seen some of the greatest moments in the sport's history, and Kentucky basketball is no stranger to its iconic hardwood. From NIT glory in 1976 to Champions Classic showdowns in the 21st century, the Wildcats have built an impressive, but not always perfect, record at MSG. T
Otega Oweh compares his first time playing in Madison Square Garden (next Saturday) to being a current Kentucky men’s basketball player.
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) December 15, 2024
“It’s so surreal.” pic.twitter.com/ikJua75UhK
According to BigBlueHistory.net, Kentucky holds a 14-6 all-time record at Madison Square Garden, including several unforgettable moments.
The NIT Run of 1976: A Championship Crowned in MSG
1976 NIT Finals - UNC Charlotte vs Kentucky (03.21.1976) https://t.co/ei1DYFamF1 via @YouTube
— The Book Man (@pensjim66) March 25, 2021
Kentucky wins their 2nd NIT and first under Joe B. Hall. Cedric Maxwell of UNCC is NIT MVP
The Wildcats first made waves in MSG in 1976, sweeping through the NIT field to claim the championship. Kentucky beat Niagara, Kansas State, and Providence in close games before defeating UNC-Charlotte 71-67 in front of 12,415 fans to claim the title. Jack Givens led the charge, dropping 13 field goals against Providence—a record that still stands today.
Holiday Festival Dominance
Kentucky thrived in the ECAC Holiday Festival tournaments in the early 1990s. In 1992, they defeated Rutgers and St. John’s, with the latter drawing 14,856 fans. They returned in 1995 to crush Rider and Iona, with Tony Delk scoring 29 points in the championship game against Iona. That night, Kentucky set MSG records for field goals made (40) and assists (27) by a Kentucky team.
Modern Classics and Record-Breaking Performances
The Wildcats’ modern MSG tenure has featured standout games in the Champions Classic and other marquee matchups. Kentucky defeated Kansas 75-65 in 2011, where Anthony Davis swatted away a record seven shots. In 2021, Oscar Tshiebwe dominated Michigan State with a 20-rebound performance, and Sahvir Wheeler dished out 10 assists.
Not all memories are sweet—Kentucky has suffered tough losses, including a heartbreaker to Seton Hall in 2018 and a 10-point loss to UCLA in 2022. The 2000 Coaches vs. Cancer Classic also saw back-to-back losses to St. John’s and UCLA, the latter in overtime despite scoring 92 points.
What’s Next?
Kentucky returns to MSG on December 21, 2024, to face Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic. Head coach Mark Pope, who grew up idolizing MSG, will look to add another victory to Kentucky’s storied legacy in "The World's Most Famous Arena."
Mark Pope is asked what he believes is the most important game on the schedule for Kentucky — other than Arkansas at home
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) June 16, 2024
“They’re all big here, man.”
He did confirm UK vs. OSU at MSG on Dec. 21
“Manhattan is not a bad place to be around Christmas, especially after a win.” pic.twitter.com/bnEoRpxpEo
The Wildcats’ history at MSG is a testament to the program’s willingness to embrace basketball’s biggest stages. Kentucky is poised to continue shining under the bright lights of New York City Saturday.
MSG Record Highs for the Cats:
stats provided by bigbluehistory.net
Points (Player)
Kentucky: 29 - Tony Delk (12/29/1995) and P.J. Washington (12/8/2018)
Opponent: 28 - Myles Powell (12/8/2018)
Points (Game)
Kentucky: 106 - vs. Iona (12/29/1995)
Opponent: 97 - UCLA (11/10/2000)
Rebounds (Player)
Kentucky: 20 - Oscar Tshiebwe (11/9/2021)
Opponent: 14 - Larry Dassle (3/16/1976) and Dan Gadzuric (11/10/2000)
Rebounds (Game)
Kentucky: 52 - vs. Rider (12/27/1995)
Opponent: 48 - St. John’s (12/30/1992)
Assists (Player)
Kentucky: 10 - Sahvir Wheeler (11/9/2021)
Opponent: 9 - Earl Watson (11/10/2000)
Assists (Game)
Kentucky: 27 - vs. Iona (12/29/1995)
Opponent: 21 - Providence (3/18/1976)
Steals (Player)
Kentucky: 6 - John Wall (12/9/2009)
Opponent: 5 - Gilbert Arenas (11/26/1999)
Steals (Game)
Kentucky: 13 - vs. Connecticut (12/9/2009)
Opponent: 15 - Arizona (11/26/1999)
Blocked Shots (Player)
Kentucky: 7 - Anthony Davis (11/15/2011)
Opponent: 4 - Jeff Withey (11/15/2011)
Blocked Shots (Game)
Kentucky: 13 - vs. Kansas (11/15/2011)
Opponent: 8 - Connecticut (12/9/2009)
Free Throws (Player)
Kentucky: 12 - P.J. Washington (12/8/2018)
Opponent: 15 - Tyshawn Taylor (11/15/2011)
Free Throws (Game)
Kentucky: 26 - vs. St. John’s (12/30/1992)
Opponent: 26 - St. John’s (12/30/1992)
Field Goals (Player)
Kentucky: 13 - Jack Givens (3/18/1976)
Opponent: 12 - Chuckie Williams (3/16/1976)
Field Goals (Game)
Kentucky: 40 - vs. Iona (12/29/1995)
Opponent: 36 - Kansas State (3/16/1976)
3-Point Field Goals (Player)
Kentucky: 7 - Malik Monk (11/15/2016)
Opponent: 6 - Myles Powell (12/8/2018)
3-Point Field Goals (Game)
Kentucky: 13 - vs. UCLA (11/10/2000)
Opponent: 11 - Seton Hall (12/8/2018)