The University of Kentucky has had a remarkable season. With three freshmen starters along with Patrick Patterson, Darius Miller, Perry Stevenson, Ramone Harris, and sophomore newcomer Darnell Dodson, Kentucky posted a 35-3 record this season. Who would've ever thought it? Last year Kentucky missed the NCAA tournament for the first time in 18 years. Kentucky's former head coach Billy Gillespie failed to live up to the expectations that were set out for him. Last March, Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart fired Billy Gillespie and replaced with former Memphis coach John Calipari. When Calipari was first hired, he warned fans that things wouldn't turn around in one season. However, they had a very surprising season and far exceeded expectations with top-rated freshmen along with some upper classmen. They posted a 35-3 season overall. UK won 2000 games overall on December 21, 2009. They won both the SEC regular season championship outright and the SEC Tournament. They were chosen as the No. 1 seed in the East. Kentucky rolled over the first three opponents. Kentucky beat it's first two opponents by thirty points. When Kansas bowed out of the NCAA tournament, it appeared Kentucky would be the favorite to win this year's national championship. However, it didn't prove to be the case as West Virginia defeated Kentucky 73-66.
Da'Sean Butler and Joe Mazzulla both propelled West Virginia to its first regional victory since 1959 when West Virginia went to the Final Four under Jerry West. Kentucky had a 11-0 run at the beginning of the game, but Kentucky lagged all the second half and the latter part of the first half. Kentucky was down 28-26 at halftime. Mazzulla scored 17 points for West Virginia. West Virginia hit 8-three pointers in the first half and they were 0-22 making two-pointers. Sounds strange! Kentucky missed their first 20 3-point shots until DeAndre Liggins hit a 3-pointer with 3:29 left in the second half. West Virginia used a sagging defense against Kentucky. Kentucky shot horribly in the game. Kentucky made 4-32 from the 3-point line and didn't make their four 3-pointers until 3:29 left in the game. Kentucky hit very poorly from the foul line 16-29. Kentucky outrebounded West Virginia 29-13. John Wall led all scorers for Kentucky with 19 points and Cousins with 15 points.
Kentucky had a superb season overall. Even though they played a poor game, they don't have anything to be ashamed of. Kentucky has a great recruiting class following this year's class. There's speculation that John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and Patrick Patterson are headed for the NBA after this season. However, if Calipari and future Kentucky teams build upon this year's team, they will one day be in the Final Four and will one day take home a championship trophy.
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