Wildcat Blue Nation
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Social media reaction for Kentucky basketball's SEC opener: Fans go wild

ByDrew Holbrook|
Rupp Arena crowd
Rupp Arena crowd | Michael Hickey/GettyImages

In what was the earliest starting home game in the storied history of Kentucky basketball, the Wildcats kicked off their SEC campaign with a dramatic match against the Florida Gators. The game, which started at an unprecedented early hour of 11 AM EST for Rupp Arena, was a rollercoaster of emotions, reflected vividly across social media platforms.

The Early Game Shock

As the game began, social media buzzed with surprised reactions to the game's early start. Fans were quick to share their morning experiences. The game itself, for the Cats anyway, started off like it was 11 AM. Florida was all over the Cats on the glass the first 10 minutes leading 13-4 on the glass and by 11 on the scoreboard.

Kentucky however would answer quickly and go on a massive 16-0 run reminiscent of the Rick Pitino teams of the 90s when out of nowhere they could just explode.

The Gators with a quick 6-0 run to open the second half with 2 threes in less than 1 minute had Rupp Arena nervous. Speaking of Rupp Arena, the fans showed up and showed out despite the early start time. 20,500 loud Kentucky fans were rocking, BBN really did their thing this Saturday.

Mark Pope's team struggled at times on the boards, and it really was a theme all game long; which ever team was rebounding well was in control of the game at the time. The teetering fast pace favored both teams, and both looked to try and push the tempo even more.

Koby Brea was 4-5 from 3 in the first half in a return to form for the former Dayton sharpshooter. Each of them were big shots as well, either pushing the Kentucky run or bringing the Cats back into the game early on.

Let's take a look at what fans had to say:

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