The Kentucky males’s basketball program is a blue blood that has nonetheless seen some lows over time. However it’s by no means misplaced video games fairly like this earlier than.
The No. 17-ranked Wildcats fell 89-85 to unranked Gonzaga on Saturday, their third straight loss at residence. It’s the first time Kentucky has ever misplaced three in a row at Rupp Area, which opened in 1976 and has seen six totally different head coaches over time.
The final time Kentucky misplaced three residence video games in a row was in 1966, the 12 months Rupp Area’s namesake Adolph Rupp had arguably the worst season of his profession with a 13-13 file. Funnily sufficient, that workforce featured a senior guard by the title of Pat Riley.
The Wildcats’ earlier residence losses have been a 103-92 shootout in opposition to No. 6 Tennessee and a 94-91 upset by Florida. Add in a 105-96 win over Georgia earlier than the streak and Kentucky has allowed a median of 95.5 factors in its final 4 residence video games.
The Gonzaga loss was at the very least shut. The Bulldogs appeared to take management with a 42-32 lead at halftime, however Kentucky got here again and retook the lead lower than eight minutes into the second half. It was neck-and-neck from there, with 4 lead modifications, till Gonzaga took management within the final couple minutes.
Kentucky’s closing offensive possessions did not precisely encourage confidence, notably when an try at a lob to tie the sport was simply intercepted within the paint. Simply look ahead to your self:
The vibes of Rupp Area within the closing seconds weren’t nice:
Followers leaving earlier than video games over.
Wave of boos are available in as clock hits zero.
Gonzaga ran the identical play again and again. Heart units a display screen and rolls down and submit up our skinny weak heart. Results in 2 factors or 2 free throws.
They scored each time on the identical play.
Hearth Cal!!!!! pic.twitter.com/doJkp9En4Y— KentuckyBlues (@KentuckyBluesUK) February 10, 2024
The large distinction was Gonzaga’s entrance line, as forwards Ben Gregg, Graham Ike, Anton Watson and Braden Huff mixed for 66 factors and have been primarily chargeable for a 43-31 rebounding disparity.
One other ugly loss will do no favors for Kentucky head coach John Calipari, whose tenure in Lexington won’t be capable to take one other disappointing season. The Wildcats’ file now sits at 16-7 with a 6-4 convention file that ties them for sixth in SEC play. That is simply not going to chop it for many Kentucky followers.
Gonzaga will get a win it direly wanted
On Gonzaga’s aspect, the win was maybe its largest of the season.
The Zags have not seemed their ordinary mid-major monster selves this season, with this season’s 18-6 file already tying this system’s mark for many losses since 2016. With Saint Mary’s two video games forward of them within the WCC standings, Kentucky loomed as one thing of a must-win if Gonzaga needed to maintain its NCAA at-large hopes alive.
Kentucky is Gonzaga’s first Quadrant 1 win of the season. They have been clearly feeling good after the sport:
Kentucky’s subsequent likelihood to interrupt its residence shedding streak might be on Tuesday in opposition to Ole Miss.
