December 28th: On this date...

... in 2001, Restauranteur Rick Pitino came back into Rupp Arena as the head coach of our biggest rival and received the beatdown he deserved as Kentucky pounded Louisville into submission, 82-62. Tubby Smith got his first ever win v. Rick Pitino in front of the fourth largest crowd in Rupp Arena history. Chants of, “Tub-by, Tub-by, Tub-by” rained down on the Rupp Arena floor as the fans let Mr. Pitino know where their loyalties lie. Kentucky had a slew of solid performances led by Tayshaun Prince’s 18 points - 9 rebounds - 3 assists. Other contributors included: Keith Bogans (17 points - 7 rebounds), Marquis Estill (10 points - 5 rebounds), Gerald Fitch (10 points - 5 rebounds). The game-ending dagger, though, came during a 15-0 Wildcat run that featured a crossover of epic proportions by Cliff Hawkins (8 points - 5 rebounds - 5 assists - 6 TO). Rick Pitino may have been the story coming into the game, but Cliff Hawkins’ crossover was the lasting memory. Enjoy. Again.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach