January 22nd: On this date....

..... in 1984, your #3 University of Kentucky Wildcats squared off against one of the most feared teams in college basketball history and took down #4 Houston and Phi Slama Jama, 74-67, in front of nearly 24,000 at Rupp Arena. Big Blue was lead by its own lethal frontcourt of Sam Bowie, Melvin Turpin, and Kenny “Sky” Walker. The trio combined for 47 points - 39 rebounds - 5 blocks against elite Houston center Akeem Olajuwon, led by Walker’s 20 points and Bowie’s 18 rebounds. Kentucky defense forced the Cougar big man into seven turnovers of his own, frustrating him all day long. The referees successfully fouled out four of the five Houston starters, including Olajuwon, with six minutes remaining in the game. From there, the #3 Cats did enough to win the game, including some clutch free throws from freshman Winston Bennett, who finished the day with eleven points. The win moved UK to 14-2 on the season. Joe B. & Company would eventually win the SEC Tournament, before being beaten in the Final Four by Georgetown and Patrick Ewing.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach