From the time the 40-0 talk melted away during a disappointing Kentucky Wildcats December, UK backers consoled themselves with thoughts of one number — 2011.
Kentucky fans invested hope that the current Cats, like the 2011 Wildcats of Brandon Knight, Josh Harrellson and Co., could jell late and make a Final Four run.
Given the uncertainties of March Madness, that could still happen. But after a disappointing Thursday night in Rupp Arena, let’s be blunt: There’s no tangible sign at this point that John Calipari’s 2014 Cats have a magical march through March in them.
For the second straight game against a middling but desperate SEC foe, Kentucky found itself in overtime at home, this time against Arkansas.