Vicky Graff Photo
It was a dreary Saturday morning. The one cup of coffee didn’t last. I had to stop and get a refill on the way to Rupp Arena. All the energy I had was exerted during the holidays and I will admit I drug myself into Rupp Arena for the UK-Louisville game.
The fans trickled in slowly. I could not help but reminisce on the days of the Kentucky vs. Louisville game when I could not sleep the night before. There was no buzz. There was, of course, a football game getting ready to kick off also.
In November this game was looked at like a gimme. Could Kentucky beat the Cards by 50? Will John Calipari pull the reins and not destroy a Kenny Payne coached team? Then December happened. The negativity and bashing started and this game became more important. It was a must win, a must destroy.
The Rupp crowd welcomed Payne with a standing ovation, something Calipari said he was glad fans did. Calipari and Payne met at mid-court, embraced not once but twice, exchanged words for the perfect photo opportunity. (As a side note … for the very few fans that booed Cal, just stop.)
“Ain’t no stopping Jacob Toppin’” was the theme from the tip-off. The starting lineup of Toppin, Sahvir Wheeler, Cason Wallace, Chris Livingston and Oscar Tshiebwe fed off Toppin’s energy.
Maybe Toppin was tired of sitting on the bench, maybe he realized the team feeds off his play. Whatever it was, it worked. The crowd was alive, the team kept it foot on the pedal and led by 27 points during the second half.
Toppin and Tshiebwe led the Cats with 24 points each. Wallace contributed 17 points for the win.
The players were having fun. The crowd applauded not only the dunks but the defensive effort. For the first time in a long time it felt like Kentucky basketball.
Hopefully fans can calm down the negativity for the next few days. It’s time to make those New Year’s resolutions. Get that gym membership, don’t tweet players, be kind to each other.
It’s a new year when LSU comes to Rupp on Tuesday night.
