Kentucky
Sunday Headlines: Big Win against Gonzaga Edition
Good morning, BBN!
Everybody’s probably still sleepy after last night, but what a night it was!
Kentucky looked dead in the water in the first half, trailing by 16 at halftime with Gonzaga poised to run away with the win, but Kentucky battled back and forced overtime, surviving a late Bulldog comeback in the final minutes of overtime, and hung on for a 90-89 win.
It was the first time in 175 games Gonzaga lost when leading by double-digits at halftime, and also tied the Kentucky record for largest halftime deficit that resulted in a Kentucky victory. According to Corey Price, Kentucky has only come back from down 16 at half to win two other times in program history.
Largest halftime deficits in a win for @KentuckyMBB in school history:
– 16 points vs. Gonzaga (December 7th, 2024)
– 16 points at Louisville (December 18th, 2004)
– 16 points at LSU (February 15th, 1994)
— Corey Price (@coreyp08) December 8, 2024
The win over Gonzaga certainly softens the blow from the loss to Clemson and also gives Kentucky another big win for its tournament resume when March rolls around. Those wins over Duke and Gonzaga will look really good come tournament time.
It also showed the fight this team possesses and also was a testament to Mark Pope, as the Cats looked like a totally different team in the second half.
We also saw Jaxson Robinson thrive after being thrust into a point guard role with Lamont Butler out and Kerr Krissa going out with an injury during the game.
A lot to take away from last night’s game, and you can certainly find plenty of it right here at Sea of Blue. As for now, let’s spend today getting rested up and celebrating another Kentucky victory!
Tweet of the Day
With all due respect to Patrick Sparks, I have a new favorite “Kentucky was down 16 points at halftime in a hostile environment and won” game. No shame in being #2, 2004-05 Wildcats. #BBN pic.twitter.com/f955COmWTU
— Terry Brown™️ (@TBrown_80) December 8, 2024
Coming back from down 16 is always memorable.
Headlines
Takeaways from Kentucky’s win over Gonzaga – Herald Leader
Is this a new edition of the Comeback Cats?
Pope’s defensive adjustments key to Kentucky win – Cats Pause
Throwing zone into the mix rattled the Gonzaga offense.
Jaxson Robinson stepped up as Kentucky’s PG – KSR
A big night for Jaxson.
Records Fall as Kentucky Track & Field Concludes Season Opener – UK Athletics
Multiple records broken in opener.
Biggest questions heading into playoff selection – Bleacher Report
SMU and Alabama is an interesting topic.
Scott Frost is back at UCF – ESPN
UCF is looking to recreate the magic.
Juan Soto likely to receive more than $700 million – Yahoo
Soto is about to be a very rich man.
Pitino honors Carnesecca with sweater – CBS Sports
What a nice tribute.
Gundy, OK State agree to new deal – NBC Sports
Looks like Gundy isn’t leaving Oklahoma State after all.
App State hires Loggains from South Carolina – Yahoo
Neal Brown was reportedly in consideration for the job.