February 1st: On this date....

..... in 2000, a freshman phenom came out on fire to lead your #14 University of Kentucky Wildcats to a 81-68 beatdown of hated rival Tennessee. Keith Bogans scored 16 of Kentucky’s first 23 points, including four 3-pointers in the first 10 minutes to energize the usually sleepy Rupp Arena crowd. He ended with a career high 25 points (8-17 FG, 4-9 3PM - 5 rebounds - 2 assists - 2 steals). Tayshaun Prince (6-9 FG, 3-4 3PM - 17 points - 6 rebounds) and the most popular player ever to wear #11, Saul Smith (12 points - 6 rebounds - 5 assists), added some firepower as well. The win was UK’s 12th in its past 13 games (16-5) and put them all alone atop the SEC East at 6-1. After starting the season 4-4 and dropping from the rankings across the board, Big Blue used the Tubby stare and some key play from the freshman (Bogans), a lanky sophomore (Tayshaun Prince), and an eighth-year senior (Jamaal Magloire). The 1999-2000 season was Tubby Smith’s first “10 loss” team. The #6 Vols were led by former Kentucky recruit Vincent Yarborough (17 points), but dropped to 18-3, 6-2 in the SEC.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach