Monday, December 21, 2009

The Best. . .


Tonight was a historic night in Lexington as the Kentucky Wildcats turned what had been a week of negative press into an ESPN love fest. Cal's Cats knocked off the Dragons of Drexel, 88-44 in front of a rowdy crowd at Rupp Arena, with former UK assistant Jimmy Dykes and former UK All-American Jamal Mashubrn on the sidelines for ESPNU. In case you have been living under a rock, tonight's win was # 2000 in Kentucky's history, the first ever NCAA basketball program to record such a feat. The win also pushed Kentucky 12-0 for the first time since 1983-1984.

This week much of Kentucky's national attention turned vicious when Bobby Knight made the classless act of calling out Kentucky and Coach Calipari. The Calipari debate had subsided as of late, with most of the national press focusing on the improving Wildcats and it's freshman phenom, John Wall. Thanks to Bob Knight's remarks, the media had turned into full attack mode against Calipari and Kentucky. Tonight, with the landmark win, Kentucky and it's embattled Coach silenced critics, even if it's only for the moment.

As for the game itself, it was never in doubt as the hot shooting Cats took an early lead and eventually led by 51 points before Cal cleared his bench. Cousins looked especially focused and disciplined, pouring in 18 points and 13 rebounds against a physical, albeit outmatched front line for the Dragons. Patterson finished with 18 but only one board. Wall was his usual amazing self scoring 16 points with 7 dimes. Harris had a good night offensively finishing with 9 points. One of the story lines of the night was the emergence of Deandre Liggins. Liggins only scored 6 points but that was on two 3 pointers. He also played with tremendous energy and tough defense. He logged only 11 minutes, considering the first six weeks of the season, this has to be a huge boost for his confidence. Liggins can only help this team moving forward and proves just how deep and talented this roster is.

After the game the sold out crowd remained for a celebration which included remarks from Coach Cal, Coach Hall, Coach Rupp's son and Patrick Patterson. The Keightly family was also recognized. One of the better moments of the night was when Patterson told Hazel Kieghtly that her husband was missed and that he was sure Mr. Wildcat was looking down on them tonight. The festivities concluded with the playing of "My Old Kentucky Home," which tonight meant just a little more than it usually does. All in all, it was just a great and positive night for the program and Coach Cal. You can just feel that something special has started in Lexington for this team. Let Knight and the anti-UK media say what they will, but in the end we are still Kentucky and Kentucky is still the best.

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