February 19th: On this date...

Johnny Rondo and his catcher's mit hands.

..... in 2005, your #3 University of Kentucky Wildcats defeated Mississippi State, 94-78, in front of a sellout crowd, featuring Ashley Judd and the ESPN Gameday crew. Kentucky blew open a very close game (UK up 46-43 at halftime) during a 27-6 second half run and coasted to victory. Big Blue forced 23 Bulldog turnovers, headlined by a Rupp Arena record eight steals by freshman Rajon Rondo. The eight steals also tied the program record for a single game set by Wayne Turner in 1997. Rondo went on to break the single season record for steals with 87. In just two seasons in Lexington, Rondo cracked the Top 10 on the career list in steals, swiping it 156 times in just 68 games. His pace would have broken the program mark (Turner) in three years, and would have destroyed it in a full four seasons. Back to the game, fourteen players saw floor action for the Cats, seven of which were in double-figures. Kentucky was paced by: Chuck Hayes (12 points - 6 rebounds - 4 steals - 4 assists), Randolph Morris (17 points - 6 rebounds), Kelenna Azubuike (15 points - 7 rebounds), Patrick Sparks (14 points), Ravi Moss (10 points), and Ramel Bradley (10 points - 5 rebounds - 5 assists). A well-rounded game from everyone involved.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach