January 23rd: On this date...

... in 1980, your #5 University of Kentucky Wildcats went on the road to Starkville, Mississippi, and took out the Bulldogs, 89-67, behind the outstanding play of a freshman. Newbie Dirk Minniefield set a then-program record for assists with 13 and added 14 points (on 7-10 shooting) to lead the UK to its 16th win in 19 chances. Big Blue was on fire, assisting on 33 of the 39 made baskets and shooting 62% from the field. Kyle Macy and his socks finished the game with 20 points and 8 assists to round out a ridiculous night from the Kentucky backcourt. The win was the 24th for the Cats out of the last 26 games in the series going back to 1967. Minniefield finished his outstanding career and still stands as the all-time leader in assists for the program. Over his four years, he averaged an impressive 5.25 assists/game. Dirk also ended his career as the all-time steals leader in program history, but currently sits in a tie for 10th, behind a Who’s Who list of players from my generation. Minniefield had the three-striped tube socks and ushered in a high-flying style that excited even the oldest members of Rupp Arena.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach