Is this because most people thought we'd lose?

[Girthang]

Kentucky vs. Illinois was Sunday's highest-rated game in most-watched NCAA Tournament in 32 years

The TV ratings for the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament prove Kentucky Basketball remains the needle.

www.on3.com

Or is it just because UK basketball is UK basketball?

 

[BlueBomb]

Kentucky vs. Illinois was Sunday's highest-rated game in most-watched NCAA Tournament in 32 years

The TV ratings for the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament prove Kentucky Basketball remains the needle.

www.on3.com

Or is it just because UK basketball is UK basketball?

I think the answer is...yes.

 

[jedwar]

People hoping we'd lose were turned in.

 

[dynastydreamuk]

they hate us cause they ain't us

 

[katwest]

We are one of the most loved and hated programs in college basketball, we have millions of fans from everywhere. We are also hated by fans from everywhere, the reason for that is we are winners, people hate winners, jealousy and envy are powerful emotions and sports can really bring it out.

 

[UKnCincy]

Kentucky vs. Illinois was Sunday's highest-rated game in most-watched NCAA Tournament in 32 years

The TV ratings for the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament prove Kentucky Basketball remains the needle.

www.on3.com

Or is it just because UK basketball is UK basketball?

Both.

And it helped that we were playing against another large school. Our Friday game drew 3.86M viewers while Illinois’ game against Xavier drew 3.22M. So, Illinois wasn’t too far behind in viewership.

But people do like to watch UK and watch UK if there’s a chance for us to be upset. Of the highest rated first round games since 2011, 4 of the 10 involved UK. And notice which games made the list.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

They’ve hated us for years!

 

[BC_Wader]

The Louisville market is always at the top of the ratings for the tournament whether Kentucky is playing or not.

 

[the nail at the foul line]

They’ve hated us for years!

I saw that on the Internet somewhere so it must be true.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

I saw that on the Internet somewhere so it must be true.

No shit?! Same here! Wise man once said on Rupp Rafters, IIRC!

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

Brand name is elite but you also had viewers who were waiting for the game to end to tune into 60 Minutes after. My grandparents used to watch "their channel" if they had a show on and station never changed. Have to believe they weren't alone in that mindset.