November 29th: On this date...

... in 1999, your #13 University of Kentucky Wildcats were shocked by Dayton, 68-66, in Cincinnati. Tayshaun Prince missed an uncontested three-pointer at the buzzer for the win; but it wasn’t to be, as the Flyers got their first win vs. Kentucky since 1955. Prince ended the contest just 1-8 from the field. Jules Camara led Kentucky with 12 points and Saul Smith added 11. Big Blue went 2-13 overall from behind the arc, committed 20 turnovers, and blew a 10 point lead. The good news from the night was that UK went 24-29 from the free throw line This was Tubby’s Cats second straight loss and the team would actually lose four games in a five game span to ignite a spark in the rabid UK fan base. Many fans never let go of this as this was Tubby Smith’s first “10 loss” team.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Expect The UNExpected

Even Smokey's tired of beating the Cats.

Well if that wasn't a letdown, I don't know what is. The Cats came out on top of the world, only to snatch defeat one more time. I know it's second guessing, but I would've loved to see PaPaw say, "Screw it. We're going for it on fourth and goal."

Would you have been pissed off at a call like that?

I mean......what's the worst that could've happened.

Anyone else feel like Charlie Brown?

Go Cats.

Cus They Some Snitches

November 28th: On this date...

... in 1989, Rick Pitino made his debut as Kentucky head coach at Rupp Arena, squeaking past the University of Ohio, 76-73. The Cats were led by Somerset-native Reggie Hanson’s 24 points, 14 rebounds, and five steals. The notorious Derrick Miller finished the game with 18 points, on 2-9 shooting from three-point range. The brash, young head coach promised two things to the rabid Kentucky fan base: it would be a super fast pace and there would be a ton of three pointers. Even though, the team was on probation, Pitino wanted to spread the word around the basketball world that you could come to Kentucky and get minutes. Everyone would play. Big Blue Nation quickly adopted the New Yorker as their own and listened to him like his word was scripture. And as long as he was winning, it was.......until he turned his back on us. Years later, Pitino would get involved with a crazy-eyed lady in a Louisville restaurant.

Big Booyah on Tom Leach

November 27th: On this date...

... in 1976, your University of Kentucky Wildcats opened their brand new, state-of-the-art, $53 million basketball arena against Wisconsin, winning 72-64. Rupp Arena to this day is the largest arena built specifically for basketball, with an official capacity of 23,500. The Cats were led that November day by Jack Givens and Rick Robey, both compiling double-doubles. Adolph Rupp was there to watch Joe B. Hall earn the first of many victories in Rupp for UK. The Big Blue Nation has broken the attendance record 23 times since Rupp opened its doors 33 years ago. Kentucky’s record in those games is 19-4. The attendance record is 24,465, set February 10, 2007, in a 64-61 loss to Florida. Being known as one of the greatest homecourt advantages in all of college basketball, the Blue and White has compiled a record of 427-60 since making the move. Ten of the 60 losses were seen in the last two years under Billy Gillispie’s leadership.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 1.05 & 1.06 - As The Cousins Turns

From Lexington to Cancun.

Just as our worst nightmares were coming true with one DeMarcus Cousins, his freshman cohorts came up big to help lead the Cats to the ever elusive Cancun Challenge World Universe Championship. And really, I've got nothing else to say about Cousins at this point. Anyone that reads this site knows my feelings on #15 and his headband. Enough of that.

John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, Ramon Harris, and Darius Miller came up huge for Good Guys tonight as they clawed their way back to win the Cancun World Championship, 73-65 in OT. Stanford, once again, seemed to hit everything in sight, but both team missed some crucial free throws down the stretch to win the game.

I'll take the win. I can't really say we deserved it, but I have no problem ripping it away from the Fightin' Dwight Perry's. It should be a huge momentum boost for the fellas (-1), and lets the children get a taste of a big win away from Rupp. Being in key situations like this can't do anything but help come 2010.

And once again. Patrick Patterson. Three words. HE DESERVES THIS.

November 26th: On this date...

... in 1983, a regular season rivalry was renewed for the first time since January 21, 1922. Louisville had taken Kentucky out in the 1983 NCAA Tournament to kickstart the rivalry again. The way the players talked trash and how the players, coaches, and fans literally hated one another was really refreshing.

There was not even a compromise on where the announcement (of the renewed rivalry) would take place: (Sports Illustrated excerpt from December 5, 1983 issue)

“Two years ago, when a preseason publication wished to pose Kentucky and Louisville players together on the steps of the Capitol in Frankfort, Crum was more than willing but Hall refused to cooperate. This summer, after the schools finally agreed to play, Louisville Athletic Director Bill Olsen proposed that the announcement be made at the governor's office. His Kentucky counterpart, A.D. Cliff Hagan, refused. When Olsen recommended Shelbyville as a neutral site, Hagan wanted to know if that town was closer to Lexington or Louisville. The result was that Olsen consulted the AAA auto club and determined the exact halfway point—which turned out to be a cow pasture off U.S. 60.”

Great stuff and a great read if you have a bit of time. Oh yeah, the Cats took 36 free throws and Louisville only took 5. Kentucky destroyed Louisville that day 65-44 behind Sam Bowie. He never made a bucket, but ended with 7 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks, 5 assists, and 3 steals. You gotta love a renewed rivalry, no?

SI article

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

November 25th: On this date...

... in 2006, Kentucky’s last ranked defense nationally almost pulled off the upset at #19 Tennessee, but lost 17-12, to give the Hunters their 22nd straight victory over the Cats. The win would have put Kentucky’s record at 8-4, 5-3 SEC, but the win clinched second in the SEC East for the Vols. Regardless, the seven wins on the season made UK bowl eligible. Andre Woodson led the way at quarterback going 26-39 for 282 yards and one touchdown. Rafael Little gained 119 yards on 23 carries and had a receiving touchdown. The Cats led 12-10 at halftime, but Lones Seiber missed a third quarter field goal to put the good guys on top. It was quarterback coach Randy Sanders first game back in Knoxville since resigning as the Vols offensive coordinator the previous season.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Looks Comfortable Wouldn't You Say?

This is what happens when its cold outside, you blast Rider, and upset Georgia all in one day. We needed to feed the fire, and we found the perfect match when we noticed this joker staring at us.

Thanks to Stacey for the unprecedented shot!

November 24th: On this date...

... in 1995, Mark Pope’s 26 points led your #1 University of Kentucky Wildcats to victory over #14 Maryland in the Tip-Off Classic, 96-84. The difference in the game was three-point shooting. Big Blue made nine on the day, from seven different players, and held Maryland to 1-12 shooting behind the arc. Eleven different players scored on the day for the Cats, led by Pope’s 26 and Tony Delk’s 21. No other player scored in double figures. Pope also led the team with six rebounds and four blocks. Point guard Anthony Epps controlled the game and added six assists and three steals. It was the first game of the storied 1995-96 campaign, and was the first of three big games to start the season. After defeating the #14 Terps, Kentucky turned around and played #5 UMASS and Indiana, going 2-1 during the stretch.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

November 23rd: On this date...

... in 1991, “The Voice of the Wildcats” Cawood Ledford called his last University of Kentucky football game. Unfortunately, it was a game against Tennessee. And we all know how those usually turn out. The Hunters won the game that day 16-7. Cawood would finish out the 1991-92 basketball season to wrap up his 39 years on the mic. To think both of his last games (football and basketball) were losses is a bad deal. On the football side, one of Cawood’s most famous sayings happened when Kentucky had a big play. The inflection in his voice would get louder and louder for Big Blue, then you’d hear him say, “Any flags, Ralph?” (BTW, was there a harder job following Cawood Ledford as Kentucky’s play-by-play man? I say no. Ralph was in a no-win situation.) Most notable for his basketball announcing, Cawood’s football announcing was second to none. Who of us wouldn’t love to pick his brain today about the recent success of the football team and what might be on the horizon for the basketball team?

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

What A Night

Nothing really to add. Just a great night.

November 22nd: On this date...

... in 2000, Tubby Smith’s Wildcats were unhappy campers going into the third game of the season vs. Jacksonville State. The game was played in Cincinnati and the Cats were still looking for their first win of the 2000 campaign. The year started with back-to-back losses in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic against St. John’s and UCLA respectively. Needless to say, Big Blue Nation was unhappy with this unheard of start to the basketball season. The Cats raced out to a 42-17 halftime lead and won the game by the score of 91-48. Cincinnati-native Erik Daniels led the Big Blue with 19 points on only three made field goals. Daniels was 12-14 from the free throw line and made one three-pointer. Tayshaun Prince and Keith Bogans added 14 points a piece to lank Daniels. The story of the night was the Wildcat defense, who forced 30 turnovers.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 1.04 - Rider

ThankyouThankyouThankyouThankyou

Cal's Cats looked unbeatable today as they did everything they wanted in a 92-63 blasting of Rider. Big time confidence builder for the Boys as the first few game were a bit close for the rabid UK fan base. This was no doubt one of the easiest game to watch as Big blue had no less than five or six SportsCenter top 10 plays this afternoon.

John Wall (21 points - 11 assists) did his thing again and again, taking Rider off the dribble whenever he wanted getting And 1's about every third or fourth time down the court. Eric Bledsoe (11 points, 3-6 3PM) came up with his ever timely three's and Daniel Orton (14 points - 6 rebounds) let us know once again that if DeMarcus Cousins (18 points - 6 rebounds) over-anxious during a game, he'll be more than capable to take over down low.

Watching this game was effortless. Being able to see the Cats do whatever they wanted, wherever they wanted, was a pleasant surprise from the previous train wrecks (i.e. BCG Era).

Enjoy the weather and let's bring these pigskin Cats a win home tonight.

I've said it once and I'll definitely say it again. Pat Patterson (19 points - 18 rebounds - I mean c'mon, seriously) is ridiculously fun to watch right now. Three words: HE DESERVES THIS.

Go Cats.

November 21st: On this date...

... in 2003, four Wildcats scored in double-figures, as Kentucky basketball opened its 101st season defeating Winthrop, 65-44. Known as “The Suffocats”, this freaky defensive team forced 29 turnovers. Getting that many turnovers, you’d thing we could’ve scored more than 65 points. We would have if it wasn’t for the 24 turnovers we had as a squad. Gerald Fitch, Cliff Hawkins, and Kelenna Azubuike had 14 simply between them. It was the first game of the season though, so there was plenty of time to panic for the Big Blue faithful. Kentucky finished the game 9-18 from behind the arc, including an impressive 6-7 from our lost post guys (Daniels, Azubuike, Hayes). Daniels led the Cats that day with 15 points and 8 rebounds. ‘Buike added 11 points and 9 rebounds.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

UGA VII Passes

After being on the job only two years, UGA VII has passed due to heart failure at the age of four. Therefore, no live UGA will be at tomorrow's game between the Cats and Dawgs.

As if we needed any other factors going against us Saturday, the passing of the big guy above can't help us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the UGA family.

November 20th: On this date...

... in 1997, Orlando “Tubby” Smith coached his first official game as the head coach of your University of Kentucky Wildcats, beating Morehead, 88-49. Brought in from the University of Georgia, Tubby Smith had an impressive record of turning around basketball programs very quickly, not to mention an impressive record in March. Matching this coach with a powerhouse the likes of Kentucky was sure to be a success. No one was complaining (yeah right) after Tubby led the 1998 squad to our seventh and most recent National Championship. Looking back on his time at UK, you have to think he was given a raw deal. Tubby was an outstanding coach, a man of great integrity, a pillar of the community, and a man with the greatest stare in all of college basketball. Smith ended with a record of 263-83 in 10 season as the Wildcat head coach. “Ten Loss” Tubby seems pretty good compared to the most recent debacle, eh?

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 1.03 - Sam Houston

Three of the above people got off tonight.

Calipari's Cats took control early tonight and kept a steady lead all night in a fun-filled game full of everything. All of our starters had great offensive games, as no one from the bench scored in tonight's 102-92 victory v. Billy Clyde's friend Sam Houston.

Jimmy Chitwood starred for the away team yet again as he became unconscious and hit eight 3's in the first half by himself. His real name, Jimmy Allmond, finished the game with 37, hitting eleven total 3's. It's always nice to see a player have a career night against us. It's even better when we win.

From the 14-2 run to start the game, the game always seemed to be in hand. A great relief from Cal 1.02 with a freaky shooter getting off in each game. This was a fun game to watch as it always seemed our starters had everything under control for the most part.

DeMarcus Cousins let Big Blue Nation know what happens when he doesn't get in early foul trouble. The verdict....27 points 18 rebounds. The guy literally made everything in sight tonight (10-15), sans free throws (7-13). Cousins' last three halves have been unstoppable.

Darius Miller and Eric Bledsoe had great night's from behind the arc, hitting 3-6 and 5-7 respectively. John Wall added 2-4 from 3-point range. Kentucky hit 60% overall from the field, 50% from downtown. Wall and Bledsoe had six assists a piece in what would be a fun fantasy basketball duo to have. Blue outrebounded the Chitwoods 43-30 on the game.

Calipari can't be happy about the 22 turnovers, but you know he had to have a lil' smile inside for each of the 12 blocks. Orton blocked four on his own, and Eric Bledsoe had one of sickest pins I've seen in a while when the Chitwoods were five-on-three.

Patrick Patterson: 8-9 FG - 20 pts - 9 rebs - 2 asst - 1 blk

It's fun to watch Pat play so far this year. He is so at ease not having to carry the load inside. Three words: HE DESERVES THIS.

I'm still having a hard time believing this is our team.

Goodnight you Blue-tinted World you.

Go Cats.

November 19th: On this date...

Ahhh. The good ol' days for a point guard in blue wearing #11....

... in 1999, an old friend came to town as the #16th ranked Fightin’ Utes of Utah came to Rupp to try and get some revenge. Well, that didn’t happen as #14 Kentucky turned away Utah 56-48 in a low scoring affair. Jules Camara hit the lone three pointer on the day as UK went 1-10 from three point range. Kentucky’s defense was the story of the afternoon, holding Utah to only 18 made field goals and forcing 18 turnovers. Every Utah starter had at least two turnovers. Jamaal Magloire led the team with 15 points and Tayshaun Prince added 11 points and seven rebounds. It was the fifth time in the 90's Big Blue had defeated Utah, the previous four coming in the NCAA Tournament. The most notable being when Tubby’s Comeback Cats took the 1998 Championship by a 78-69 score.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

November 18th: On this date...

... in 2006, your University of Kentucky Wildcats moved to 7-4 on the season with a heart-pounding 42-40 victory over Louisiana-Monroe in Commonwealth. Keenan Burton caught multiple touchdown passes (37, 17, and 25 yards) for a program record fourth consecutive game to break teammate Dicky Lyons Jr., record set earlier in the year. The Warhawks (2-8, 1-4 Sun Belt) were down 18 points midway through the second quarter after an 84-yard punt return for a touchdown by Rafael Little. LA-Monroe wouldn’t give up though, and actually held the lead going into the fourth quarter, 34-33. A Lones Seiber field goal and a touchdown put the Cats up 42-34 with a minute to play. The Warhawks scored on a QB sneak to cut the lead to two, but the Big Blue defense stopped a two-point conversion, an onside kick, and a hail mary in the final moments to secure the win.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach