Top five UK games you saw in person

[FurdTerguson]

1. Beating Florida handily at Florida during the 98 season. They had handed us one of our four losses that season. Sweet revenge.

2. Beating Indiana in Rupp during the 84 season. Alford and Marty Simmons pushed us until the end.

3. Winning the UKIT during the 82 season.

4. Beating LSU in Rupp during the 85 season. LSU was favored.

5. Losing at Louisville during the 85 season. Kenny Walker had the Louisville crowd squirming. They expected a blowout but we only lost by seven.

My list is pretty modest but I'm betting some of you are going to have an awesome five.

 

[jedwar]

The two that stand out to me are the UL and Michigan tourney games in 2014. Villanova in 1997. Can’t think of two more great ones.

 

[Titpwhami2014]

1.) 2012 National Title Game in Kansas (only championship by any team I’ve witnessed in person)

2.) 2014 - Sweet 16 win vs. UofL

3.) 2011 - Anthony Davis block vs. UNC

4.) 2009 - John Wall UNC game

5.) 2014 - Aaron Harrison shot vs. Michigan

 

[HagginHall1999]

1. Tayshaun vs UNC
2. Tayshaun game winner vs Florida (free throw patented TP one hander push shot)
3. Pitino return to Rupp w/ Louisville

I will have to think about others. I went to UK from 1999-2003...those games above are my best memories.

I went to a few games before college, but not a ton. After college a handful...there was one game I was on the court as a personal guest by GF of Chuck Hayes...but I don't remember who we were playing.

Tough losses were Zion game and BCG loss to Gardner Webb. Also took a road trip to Chapel Hill for a loss to UNC in Rondo freshman year...awesome experience though.

I know we beat UT in a big game while I was at UK but don't remember season....would have been Slay and Yarborough time.

I didn't go to any games after 2008 season until the Zion game. Since then I've gone to 1 or 2 a year.

Would probably add the Oscar rebound game vs WKU. That was my first with second son.

 

[FurdTerguson]

1.) 2012 National Title Game in Kansas (only championship by any team I’ve witnessed in person)

2.) 2014 - Sweet 16 win vs. UofL

3.) 2011 - Anthony Davis block vs. UNC

4.) 2009 - John Wall UNC game

5.) 2014 - Aaron Harrison shot vs. Michigan

Dude that's an incredible list. I wonder if anyone has been to two or even three UK title games.

 

[HagginHall1999]

1.) 2012 National Title Game in Kansas (only championship by any team I’ve witnessed in person)

2.) 2014 - Sweet 16 win vs. UofL

3.) 2011 - Anthony Davis block vs. UNC

4.) 2009 - John Wall UNC game

5.) 2014 - Aaron Harrison shot vs. Michigan

Helluva list man

 

[FurdTerguson]

1. Tayshaun vs UNC
2. Tayshaun game winner vs Florida (free throw patented TP one hander push shot)
3. Pitino return to Rupp w/ Louisville

I will have to think about others. I went to UK from 1999-2003...those games above are my best memories.

I went to a few games before college, but not a ton. After college a handful...there was one game I was on the court as a personal guest by GF of Chuck Hayes...but I don't remember who we were playing.

Tough losses were Zion game and BCG loss to Gardner Webb. Also took a road trip to Chapel Hill for a loss to UNC in Rondo freshman year...awesome experience though.

I know we beat UT in a big game while I was at UK but don't remember season....would have been Slay and Yarborough time.

I didn't go to any games after 2008 season until the Zion game. Since then I've gone to 1 or 2 a year.

Would probably add the Oscar rebound game vs WKU. That was my first with second son.

Everyone says Rupp has never been louder than after Tayshaun's fifth three. Only thing I can think of is Wall vs UNC, AD's block, or Cedric Jenkins tip in.

 

[jedwar]

1. Tayshaun vs UNC
2. Tayshaun game winner vs Florida (free throw patented TP one hander push shot)
3. Pitino return to Rupp w/ Louisville

I will have to think about others. I went to UK from 1999-2003...those games above are my best memories.

I went to a few games before college, but not a ton. After college a handful...there was one game I was on the court as a personal guest by GF of Chuck Hayes...but I don't remember who we were playing.

Tough losses were Zion game and BCG loss to Gardner Webb. Also took a road trip to Chapel Hill for a loss to UNC in Rondo freshman year...awesome experience though.

I know we beat UT in a big game while I was at UK but don't remember season....would have been Slay and Yarborough time.

I didn't go to any games after 2008 season until the Zion game. Since then I've gone to 1 or 2 a year.

Would probably add the Oscar rebound game vs WKU. That was my first with second son.

I’ve never left a game early. The Zion one we left with over 10 mins left.

 

[HagginHall1999]

Everyone says Rupp has never been louder than after Tayshaun's fifth three. Only thing I can think of is Wall vs UNC, AD's block, or Cedric Jenkins tip in.

Yeah, that is my take. From some people who were at both, I've heard that game against Maryland when they had Steve Francis was crazy loud.

For my money, cannot imagine a louder moment. I was on rail in upper level and could feel (or it felt like) the ground was shaking. It was totally deafening.

 

[Titpwhami2014]

Helluva list man

Thank you, I was very fortunate to attend those games. Had a connection with the athletic department that no longer works there. Great memories that sustain me during soul crushing weekends like this one where my favorite college team loses to #1 by a point…and then my Bengals double down on the heartbreak and lose by a point to the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. 😫

 

[HagginHall1999]

Thank you, I was very fortunate to attend those games. Had a connection with the athletic department that no longer works there. Great memories that sustain me during soul crushing weekends like this one where my favorite college team loses to #1 by a point…and then my Bengals double down on the heartbreak and lose by a point to the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. 😫

Oh brother....lifelong Bengals fan. Infuriating ending.

 

[FurdTerguson]

Oh brother....lifelong Bengals fan. Infuriating ending.

They remind me of New England with Brady....horseshoe up their ass. (They being the Chiefs)

 

[WeWant9]

1. 2012 2nd rd vs Iowa St
2. 2015 2nd rd vs Cincy
3. 2016 SECT final vs Tex Am
4. 2012 1st rd vs WKU
5. 2013 vs Florida (first game at Rupp)

 

[Titpwhami2014]

They remind me of New England with Brady....horseshoe up their ass. (They being the Chiefs)

I mean, they are a great team. You have to put yourself in a position to be in the game at the end for the refs to make a call, and they always find a way to hang around. But my goodness, if it’s a 50/50 call they get it every single time. It’s why I don’t know if I’ll ever get over Burrow losing to the Rams, win that game and maybe he becomes the Golden Child and the Bengals are the ones getting the calls. From a pure football talent standpoint I don’t think there is a huge gap (if any) between him and Mahomes. It’s similar to Manning and Brady, I always thought Peyton was the more talented player but Tom had the rings. Until Peyton finally broke through. I just want to see Joe win one for the city of Cincinnati one time before he hangs them up.

 

[FurdTerguson]

I mean, they are a great team. You have to put yourself in a position to be in the game at the end for the refs to make a call, and they always find a way to hang around. But my goodness, if it’s a 50/50 call they get it every single time. It’s why I don’t know if I’ll ever get over Burrow losing to the Rams, win that game and maybe he becomes the Golden Child and the Bengals are the ones getting the calls. From a pure football talent standpoint I don’t think there is a huge gap (if any) between him and Mahomes. It’s similar to Manning and Brady, I always thought Peyton was the more talented player but Tom had the rings. Until Peyton finally broke through. I just want to see Joe win one for the city of Cincinnati one time before he hangs them up.

I'm a lifelong Rams fan so I was pretty happy with that result, but if my team isn't there I'll always pull for the team that's never won before. I remember how special that first one is.

 

[DraftCat]

I don't have a big list... but here is my last 3.

1. Terrance Jones getting the rookie scoring record 35 points vs Auburn
2. UK vs. Florida in 2024 in Gainesville where the Cats held on by 2 points.
3. Kentucky crushing Louisville on my birthday at the Yum Center 12/21/23

 

[Jeff Hoyt]

1. Kansas game in 1978 when UK came back from 6 down with about 23 seconds (pre 3 point shot) Many of the fans had already left.
2. Final game in Memorial Coliseum versus Miss. St miracle comeback.
3. Regional final in San Jose 1997 versus Utah. Mark Pope talked to me and my 4 kids for about 20 minutes after the game, and signed all our UK t-shirts.

 

[JonathanW]

1-beating IU in Hoosier Dome in Dec 92. Both top 5 teams, both had an AA (Mash and Cheaney). 40K fans half in blue half in red, and I was 2nd row behind basket

2- 90 vs LSU, my first UK game in Rupp, our way undersized team beats Shaq, Robert’s and Chris Jackson

3-93 vs WF in Sweet 16 in Charlotte. I think we were up something like 60-25 at halftime. And that was a top 20 team with their own AA player.

4- 93 SEC-T vs Ark in Rupp

 

[DreadLox]

UT Ernie and Bernie

Who knows the others? 50 years ago

 

[BluPappi81]

Privileged to see a lot of games, couldn't pick a top 5.

But the best time I had watching the Cats was the title team in 1978 when I was a freshman at the university. They practiced in Memorial Coliseum and I worked out in a little weight room in the bowels of the arena. Coming and going I would sit in the stands and watch practice. I got to see the hard work that resulted in a championship.

 

[Jim Malone Lt.]

2003 SEC Championship game vs Mississippi State in New Orleans
John Wall team vs UCONN in Madison Square Garden
Tayshaun Prince 41 point game in NCAA tourney vs Tulsa in 2002 in St. Louis
2012 vs UNC at Rupp
Malik Monk 48 point game vs UNC in Las Vegas

 

[legalbeagle123]

2012 Championship Game
2014 Wichita State game
2003 Florida beatdown game
2012 UNC game
2011 Louisville beatdown game (the first matchup in the Yum)

 

[clevenger32]

1. Mideast Regional Championship vs Indiana at UD Arena 1975
2. Last home game at Memorial Coliseum 1976 vs. Mississippi State
3. First home game at Rupp Arena 1976 vs. Wisconsin
4. Senior night & Honoring Cawood vs Tennessee 1992
5. Pete vs The Horse at Memorial Coliseum 1969

 

[jeffky]

1970 Kentucky vs lsu
Dan issel and Pistol Pete
1977 Kentucky vs Las Vegas running rebels tark the shark
1983 Kentucky vs Houston Clyde drexler and akeem
1977 Kentucky vs kansas and Kentucky 10pts down 30 secs to go came back and won
1981 Kentucky vs Indiana

 

[Kentucky fan 1989]

1. Iowa State during the 2012 NCAA tournament game.
2. Western 2012 first round
3. Crushing Tennessee in 2022 on the day Joe B died.
4. 2005 win over Florida
5.2011 new years eve vs. Louisville

 

[fisherscatfan]

1. 2012 National Title win vs Kansas with my wife and kids as well as Aunt and Uncle.
2. 2012 Semi-final win against Louisville.
3. 2014 tournament win vs Michigan—we could actually point ourselves out in the SI picture of the Harrison shot!
4. 2009 win against UCONN in MSG—my son actually got picked to go out on the floor for the layup contest.
5. 1997 win vs IU in Indianapolis.

 

[c1doc]

1-beating IU in Hoosier Dome in Dec 92. Both top 5 teams, both had an AA (Mash and Cheaney). 40K fans half in blue half in red, and I was 2nd row behind basket

2- 90 vs LSU, my first UK game in Rupp, our way undersized team beats Shaq, Robert’s and Chris Jackson

3-93 vs WF in Sweet 16 in Charlotte. I think we were up something like 60-25 at halftime. And that was a top 20 team with their own AA player.

4- 93 SEC-T vs Ark in Rupp

We must be about the same age… I was there at all of those games as well!😳

 

[c1doc]

1.) 90 versus LSU with Shaq and Chris Jackson
2.) 90? Versus Kansas at Home after they beat us 150-95 the year before…
3.) 2014 - Sweet 16 win vs. UofL
4.) 2011 - Anthony Davis block vs. UNC
5.) 2014 - Aaron Harrison shot vs. Michigan

 

[Wildcat Sheli]

I haven’t been to many UK games, unfortunately. I remember from 1994-1998 I tried numerous times each season to get tickets to no avail. I would’ve given my last dollar for tickets during those years, but they were so difficult to come by. I finally got to see the ‘Cats live in 1999 at Vanderbilt as reigning national champions.

Here’s my Top 3:

1. vs UofL 2014 Sweet Sixteen (the final scoreboard is my avatar). Epic win for so many reasons!
2. vs Indiana 2012 Sweet Sixteen
3. at Vanderbilt 1-10-17 (what a nail-biter! We won 87-81 but it was a 2 point game with 19 seconds left. Riley LaChance even missed free throws that game and I think I can hear my voice on the recording yelling “Brick!”😉)

 

[jedwar]

1. Iowa State during the 2012 NCAA tournament game.
2. Western 2012 first round
3. Crushing Tennessee in 2022 on the day Joe B died.
4. 2005 win over Florida
5.2011 new years eve vs. Florida

That's a good call on the ISU game. I was there for that one as well.

 

[Catapult]

75 Mid-East final vs IU
Both FF games in 78 at Checkerdome
2012 vs UNC
Final reg season game vs LSU in 81.

 

[catsfanbgky]

Playing the early to mid 90's Arkansas teams in Rupp

Playing and losing on Sunday to #6 SC (UK was ranked #3). SC had the deadly 3 guard lineup that destroyed us, BJ McKie, Melvin Watson, and Larry Davis. I mention this game because it was the best seats I have ever had, 3rd row off the floor, sat beside Tim McGraw and Faith Hill all game. I could have sold those for $500 each. If I had known the result before hand, I would have. I would have took the $1000 and watched in the Hyatt Lobby or bar somewhere in town.

Florida on Chuck Hayes SR. day

 

[catman15]

Everyone says Rupp has never been louder than after Tayshaun's fifth three. Only thing I can think of is Wall vs UNC, AD's block, or Cedric Jenkins tip in.

My mom and aunt got tickets for that game for my dad and uncle for christmas. The 2 things he says when he tells the story is how loud it was and how many 3s Carrier hit in warmups lol i have the Santa hat and a blue 3 pt sign from that game. I was so young it broke my heart i didn't get to go but looking back it makes me happy he got to see it

 

[yes_takeaside]

Mideast Regional Championship vs Indiana at UD Arena 1975

78 Championship in St Louis

78 Semifinal win over Arkansas

66 Mid-East championship Runts win over Michigan and Cazzie Russell

78 MidEast championship over Mich St and Magic

 

[ColonelCat]

Mideast Regional Championship vs Indiana at UD Arena 1975

78 Championship in St Louis

78 Semifinal win over Arkansas

66 Mid-East championship Runts win over Michigan and Cazzie Russell

78 MidEast championship over Mich St and Magic

Add this to the list Maui Invitational Jeff Brassow tip-in at the buzzer to beat Arizona we were there

 

[FurdTerguson]

Did anyone reading this attend the Dream Game in Knoxville? What about the Cream Game in Freedom Hall?

 

[Cleatortoises]

SEC tourney in Rupp 101-40 over ewe T was fun.
Hoosier Dome when Travis Ford went off v. IU 92?
#1 Fla in Rupp. Gator fans talking football smack half way through first half, because it was over!

 

[Catapult]

Did anyone reading this attend the Dream Game in Knoxville? What about the Cream Game in Freedom Hall?

Dream game yes, Cream game no.

 

[uky8unc5]

My Favorite:
Feb 21, 1970 - Pistol Pete 64 vs Dan Issel 51
Final UK 121 - 105
(Was there in Baton Rouge)

 

[kyboy1998]

The 98 Duke game was my favorite.

I’ve been to several of the others mentioned, but that game, and time we had in Florida, stand out.