Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist among 16 finalists for the John R. Wooden Award

On This Day in UK Basketball History

On March 31, 1975, Coach John Wooden closed out his coaching career by leading the Bruins over Kentucky for their 10th NCAA title in 12 years.

 

On March 31, 1984, Georgetown outscores UK 23-2 at the start of the second half to defeat the Wildcats, 53-40, in the NCAA semifinal game in Seattle.

 

On March 31, 1997, despite losing its star, Derek Anderson, to a knee injury on Jan. 18, UK returns to defend its NCAA title in the National Championship game, trying to become the second team in 24 years to repeat as national champion, falling in overtime to Arizona, 84-79. Ron Mercer and Anthony Epps nailed three-pointers inside the last minute to force overtime. But with four Wildcats fouling out, Arizona outscored UK by five in the extra period in Rick Pitino's final game as coach at Kentucky.

 

On March 31, 2008, long time Kentucky basketball manager Bill Keightley passed away at the age of 81 in Cincinnati. Affectionately known as “Mr. Wildcat”, he had been associated with the Wildcats’ basketball program since 1962. Keightley, who manned the “Bill Keightley Equipment Room” in Memorial Coliseum, was as much a fixture around UK basketball as the seven national championship trophies on display in the Joe Craft Center. A crowd of over 3,000 payed their respects at a tribute to Mr. Keightley held in Rupp Arena. Former players, coaches and managers traveled from across the country to eulogize him.

 

On March 31, 2012, Kentucky finally put away pesky Louisville, who outrebounded Kentucky 40-33, 69-61, in the Final Four to advance to the national championship game.  Kentucky shot a dazzling 57 percent with Anthony Davis leading the way with 18 points and 14 rebounds.  Darius Miller added 13 points, and Doron Lamb had 10. Kidd-Gilchrist had nine, all in the second half.  Former Kentucky coach turned Louisville coach, Rick Pitino, congratulated Calipari and told him he'd be rooting for the Wildcats.