#5 North Carolina @ #1 Kentucky 12-3-11 (Full Game)

[@TheRCBuildersPost]

Been a UK fan all of my 37 years. This was probably one of the best games I've ever watched. This was the definition of college basketball! Truly could've gone either way!

[@scottworley1479]

Yep if Kendall Marshall hadn't gone down after this game, kentucky would've met this same carolina team in the championship game.

[@jtgoheels]

So glad UNC and Kentucky renued their playing each other as of next year. Have been a UNC fan my whole life, finally going to school there next year. I respect Kentucky so much. Two legendary programs with so much respect.

[@jamedlock83]

you mean UNCheat???????

[@BBNTrashtalker]

Should of seen that comin lol

[@threefiveseven]

@@jamedlock83 bro its been 10 years

[@jeremylewis5487]

Based on the grammar in this post it’s impossible u r going to unc…ever. Ijs.

[@Johnnys_World859]

😂​@@jeremylewis5487

[@walterlv01]

One of the best regular season NCAA games in the last 20 years - and almost certainly would have been the championship game that season if not for the Marshall injury. That's not a shot against Kansas either - UNC and UK were just on another level that season. Just look at these rosters.

[@BogartSlap]

I totally agree. And what a wonderful final that would have made - two classic programs at the top of their game.

[@claybailey3909]

walterlv01 they had another great game in December 2016 when Kentucky won 103-100 then they had that unbelievable game in the Elite Eight later that same season

[@kinglord318]

You havent seen the Duke UNC game two months later in February. 2012 when Austin Rivers hit that shot

[@thediesel1123]

@@kinglord318 and you apparently didn't see the complete beat down that UNC put on Duke, on senior night two weeks later!

[@calebwagner8116]

UNC would've won the championship. Losing by 1 on the road off a crazy block = winning on a neutral court, especially taking into account the revenge factor.

[@GBeret83]

I'm a born and raised my whole life Kentucky Wildcat fan, 54 years old now, so let's just say I've seen UK & UNC go at it a bunch of times over the years. Rarely ever in my lifetime, no matter if the game has been in Rupp Arena, the Dean Dome, on a neutral site during the regular season, or in the NCAA Tournament have these two programs met that the game isn't a slug fest from start to finish. This game was no exception, and that's the way as a fan you expect it to be among two of the elite, blue blood programs of college basketball. GO CATS!!

[@wildcat8797]

We don’t win it all with out D. Miller. Miller was the senior leader our guys needed to come off the bench & make big plays in big games. One of the all time greatest KY Mr. Basketball to go on to win a title for Kentucky.

[@jamedlock83]

You know nothing about sports. . . One person does NOT cause a team to win or lose. . It takes the entire team

[@CollegeSportsREVIVED]

@@jamedlock83 youre not understanding what he’s saying. every good team has their stars, but every great team has the xfactors, the Rodmans, the darius millers, the draymond greens

[@TheJuarezG]

The best team UK ever had, these dudes didn't back down from anybody.

[@DeSeanBigBlueNation]

They were great, but the 96 Kentucky team is the best Kentucky team ever.

[@DeSeanBigBlueNation]

***** Overrated but won the championship that year, makes sense lol. Keep hating, UK is still one of college basketball's elite programs while IU is a mediocre team that celebrates Sweet 16s.

[@DeSeanBigBlueNation]

Your sorry ass Whoosiers? made rings for making the Sweet 16 that year, and a display to commemorate a regular season win against UK. How pathetic. I wouldn't talk if I was a Whoosiers? fan, your school has been in trouble more recently than UK. I guess Kelvin Sampson doesn't ring a bell. But then again, that's what haters do. They make shit up without any solid proof.

[@danielward8645]

juarez.gooden nah. 96 UK is the best and one of the top 5 cbb teams of all time. 2012 UK is probably one of the best of the 2000’s though.

[@tabortonboys7914]

Love watching this era of college hoops, it’s all I watch lately

[@Aggie1985]

I blame Creighton for denying us a UNC/UK rematch

[@thatguynamedluke7207]

What did they do

[@jaleeneverette4588]

@@thatguynamedluke7207 injured Kendall Marshall he missed the rest of the tournament

[@shelbyesters5732]

This game was huge. I teared up when Davis made the block. This is the kentucky basketball I miss.

[@tlight26berry]

KU fan here...Kentucky and Carolina were by far the best two teams this year. UNC's unfortunate injuries put us in the right place. Their knock down shooters were lost and most importantly, the college game's most prolific point guard. They still could have beaten the rebuilt KU team handily.The ultimate match would have been a healthy UNC V. UK in the final. But that is how it goes sometimes.I hated watching Cuse in 2003 beat KU in Roy's final year when we were without Simien.

[@jonfalco]

so many NBA players in this game

[@GBeret83]

But none that play anywhere near the level that Anthony Davis plays at with New Orleans.

[@taylordavis8547]

jonfalco 4

[@TyphoidBryan]

Agreed. I'm a UK fan and I remember the final eight minutes or so of this game. I was on my feet in front of the TV the entire time. That Davis block of Henson's shot was incredible. Always a good game when playing against UNC (as you'd certainly know) and this one was awesome.

[@milart12]

This is best college game I have seen in years..would have been a great final

[@calebwagner8116]

UNC would've won the rematch with a healthy Marshall. Losing by 1 on the road off a crazy block = winning on a neutral court.

[@oldcat7]

@@calebwagner8116 Can't look at it like that. Both teams got better as the season went on. I could say UK would've won in 2014 and 2015 if not for injuries, but it's obviously opinion based.

[@austinmiller4832]

Caleb Wagner that’s not necessarily true. Kentucky improves over the season and would have clapped Carolina in the tournament. No one was stopping UK in the tournament that season.

[@calebwagner8116]

"Kentucky improves over the season" wow, brilliant argument. You know, so does Carolina, funnily enough.

[@austinmiller4832]

Caleb Wagner And funnily enough, Carolina choked when it mattered. Kentucky did not. And don’t complain about injuries, that was a stacked UNC team and could have won without. Kentucky’s also just a better program all time, and no one was stopping them in 2012.

[@CellarDoorx06]

A game for the ages. Battle between two teams who define the Sport. #8 Feels so Great! Go Big Blue!

[@MrUKFORLIFE]

AMAZING game..still remember it like it was yesterday. UK and UNC ARE COLLEGE BASKETBALL !! Goodness, I love college basketball. GO UK !!

[@QuantumOppenheimer]

despite that fact you guys beat us - i like your rationale. KU, UK, UNC, IU, DK, UCLA are the college basketball blue bloods - have respect for each other. Each team has its own legends and tradition to it.

[@MisterNibba]

What an absolute clash of the titans here. Coming from a Duke fan, these were probably the 2 best teams in the country.

[@JTGate1]

This was a high level/pro game. This is one of the best college basketball games I have seen. I have been attending UK games since I was 5.

[@HS32153]

I remember watching this game like it was yesterday. I was hype the entire week leading up to the showdown, and it did not disappoint. All time classic..,

[@captainmarvel9610]

I can't believe the 3 point shooting of UNC. And we still win. Wow!!

[@TH3Dub1313]

This game brought me such joy! Davis!!!!!

[@scottworley1479]

I guess the 2017 elite 8 game brought you to tears then. Go Heels!

[@austinmiller4832]

Scott Worley hey pompous ass, Kentucky leads North Carolina in nearly every category, and leads the series 10-8 since 2000. Your Heels are inferior all time, face it. Kentucky is THE college basketball team.

[@jeffreybeshears8211]

Thank the Lord for Davis. Cals a great guy with a big heart but a sorry bench coach. The '12 champs were all coaches on the floor with a dagger instinct. I was 24 when the 96 team won w Rick. Cal better person. Rick better coach. From 2010 til 2019 we big blue fans should be sitting on at least two more titles.

[@251to502]

This game proved that the tallest team isn't always gonna have the advantage. UNC had the size, but UK (notable size themselves) was quicker.

[@80srockedandrolled]

im a die hard kentucky fan but i really respect north carolina they have classy fans no doubt about it they r one of the best in the sport

[@dragonage200]

You guys keep complaining about the "one and done" players who leave NCAA after just one year, but just take a look from the player's perspective, if you're sure that you would be able the get drafted in a good position, why would you still stay in college to "hone your skills" when at the same time you're increasing your chances of getting injured?

[@JohnWWDavis]

I've been watching all these UK games from 2012 and it's kind of bittersweet... would love to see those guys play together again. ALUMNI GAME???

[@26michaeluk]

Yeah it would have been great, thats for sure. I was hoping that would go down. If Marshal had been healthy it would have. I actually dont believe that stuff about UNC either, I was just defending my school lol Its amazing what we will do to take up for teams. Like I said, I respect UNC more than ANY other school and I wholeheartedly mean that. Good luck to you guys for the rest of the year. Should be tough come March. We start playing again next year in the regular season again.

[@Deuzday]

Dean Smith is widely regarded as the biggest choker in college basketball history. he had the most talent every year and consistently underachieved.

[@samuelcook02]

this game will be watched for years ...

[@thediesel1123]

Man this was a great UNC team. McAdoo, Bullock and Hairston off the bench! Would have loved to see a finals rematch of this game! Epic Final! Then Marshall goes down with the broken wrist,...sad day

[@GTR1nissan]

Jones was a beast in this game,he definitely should be a top 10 pick over Robinson or Drummond

[@samuelcook02]

Best game of the 2011-12 season by any team in the NCAA. Almost looks like a March Madness game!!

[@26michaeluk]

This. I am thrilled. No matter what anyone says, Kentucky and UNC are THE top 2 programs of all time. They are equals in my eyes. I have always respected UNC basketball and their fans more than any other school by far. Awesome you are getting to go to UNC, I am at Kentucky now. Its AWESOME. Our teams may be a little down this year, but next year we will both be top 5 teams without a doubt. Who knows, both could still make some noise this year. Good luck to you all the rest of the way.

[@jazzsoulhiphip7676]

As a Heels fan, great game. Not the ending I wanted, but great game nonetheless.

[@MrUKFORLIFE]

BEST game of the 2011-2012 season, period. Epic in every way.

[@251to502]

From an eye test, you guys had the length to match Kentucky particularly on the inside. Kansas just happened to have luck after two tournament exits (2010, 2011) against potent opponents (UNI, VCU). We hope to face off against you guys in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off title game.

[@Fultonfalcons86]

and the best nba player from these two teams is Anthony Davis his production is soaring right now

[@bigbluenationsmith2489]

I had to watch an old game to be reminded that Kentucky was really good. Unlike the 2020 2021 season . I say burn all film from 2020-2021 season. Looking forward to 2021-2022.

[@danielward8645]

it’s frustrating how far Cal and mitch barnhardt have let the basketball program fall before becoming motivated again. Cal seems to have finally pulled his head out of his ass regarding his roster approach. It’s just sad it took a 9-16 season for him to realize it.

[@chasejohnson2550]

Mid- court seats in the lower bowl at Rupp for this game great memories 😍

[@otaviofrn_adv]

I'm from Brazil, and in my bucket list one of the items is "Kentucky - Rupp Arena" How many years I have to wait to get a ticket?

[@chasejohnson2550]

Otávio Ferreira there’s really know way to know because of how COVID-19 is affecting tickets to sporting events rn. It’s easy to get tickets to a game though. I usually go to at least 1 game a year because I love 2 and a half hours away from Rupp arena.

[@temple76502]

Damn, these 2 teams at full strength were HARDCORE, nobody this year would be in their league, the only exception I would make would be for Lousville and if so they would still be below these guys. Damn shame UNC lost all their starters after that year but NO DOUBT had Davis and Kidd-Gil stayed in school for another year UK would of DOMINATED and probably repeated.

[@26michaeluk]

Same to you about being polite. I just REALLY respect UNC more than any other opposing school, fans included. I agree about people bashing Cal are just being petty. Anyways I hope everything gets straightened out with the academic thing without basketball having to suffer anything. Good luck to you all this year. We will be back on each others schedule after this coming year thank God. UK and UNC should play, they are THE top 2 programs in basketball now and all time.

[@MrUKFORLIFE]

I agree with you on that last sentence...but I just explained how an overall record means more than a head to head record, IDC what sport it's in..and 22-13 isn't all that much when you consider both of these basketball teams have been playing for over 100 years...Somebody in the comments said UNC was better ALL-TIME than UK because of their 22-13 vs. UK and that's just not true...there are many more things to factor in this type of debate...Championships, winning %, overall wins/records, ect..

[@theMermaidRhonda]

The games between UNC and UK are always so great, regardless of who wins. Of course, being a UK fan, I love to see the Cats win...but no hate towards UNC. :)

[@Turtwigroxz456]

Actually, we beat Indiana in the Sweet Sixteen, and we beat Vanderbilt twice in the regular season, so we've beaten all the teams we've faced at least once.

[@jeremyjohnson9222]

That block though. Pure beauty

[@26michaeluk]

IMO they are the top 2 programs of all time. UNC has probably had better known players in college and the pros but not by much. Kentucky has more titles and wins. UNC has more final fours. They are the bluest of the blue bloods. I think ranking them in order would be 1a. UK, 1b UNC, 3. UCLA, 4. KU, 5. Duke, 6. Louisville, and 7. Indiana. Those are the top programs of all time, with UK and UNC at the top. Good luck this year, should be another classic Kentucky vs UNC matchup like this game

[@Deanovo1]

i know there are 11 pros in this game. By far the best two teams last season. too bad UNC had injuries at the end of the year. it would have been an amazing title game.

[@251to502]

Other than the fact that North Carolina will host Kentucky this year (won 75-73 in 2010), They will likely face Louisville in Uncasville, CT (Nov, 2013). Last time both coaches faced off, UNC won 83-73 in a virtual home game in Charlotte (2008 - East Region Elite 8).

[@26michaeluk]

Talking trash aside, I respect UNC more than any other program. I think UK and UNC are the greatest programs of all time. I wish Marshal had not gotten hurt because it would have been an epic title game for sure. Good luck this year, cant wait to play you in December. Should be a helluva game bro.

[@joepoppa9713]

All smack talk aside. Two class programs that played a great game. Go Cats!

[@sauchezes]

This goes to show you how great a team UNC was this season. To go into that environment and lose by a point. If we had only met on a neutral court....

[@26michaeluk]

Oh I am quite certain that it would have been an EPIC game between the 2 best teams and 2 best programs. My point though was that with the advantages you had in the first game and still lost, and the way we got SO much better from that game would indicate a probable UK win. But we dont know. I really do wish that would have happened, us playing I mean. It would have been a great game without a doubt. No one would blow the other team out.

[@ramarwright3379]

Harrison's hissy fit at the end will never get old.

[@byronphillips8176]

Because Henson should have pass the ball to him! He was wide open

[@Zopharlol]

Agreed. I would've loved to had play you all again.

[@AndreaBaixinho]

wow, Kidd-Gilchrist has not always had the terribly broken jumpshot he has now! He seemed to have at least decent form here...

[@danielward8645]

yeah i don’t know what happened when he got to the league. I think charlotte brought in a specialist to work with him and somehow they made it worse.

[@cjones286]

Notice how the fans don't rush the floor even after an epic block to seal a 1 point victory over a preseason rank #1 team? You will never see it in rupp. We always expect out team to win. Best fans in college basketball!! Go big blue!!

[@youngrizzle2003]

there were a shit ton of nba players on that court.

[@SuttonSantiniPaulo]

In the opening montage, what game was that backboard camera shot that bounced around and went in?

[@26michaeluk]

As I said to someone else, I consider UK 1A and UNC 1B in the top program of all time debate. We are pretty much equal all things considered. I respect the heck out of UNC and root for them if they are not playing us. I have never hated UNC like I have Duke, U of L, Kansas, Indiana and so on. You know why? Because I see so many similarities in our programs.

[@danielward8645]

in a lot of UK games under Cal, when i rewatch I can just skip the first 20 seconds of every offensive possession and not miss anything

[@leblounge]

Amazing game. I have the utmost respect for the UNC program. Great game.

[@26michaeluk]

I am a die hard UK fan but I cant believe they didnt call a walk on Teague at the very end. Watching it live I was amazed they didnt see it. Granted UNC would have only had less than a second or so to score but still lol I think not only were the UNC players stunned by the Davis block, I think the refs were too lol

[@26michaeluk]

Dude, going from High school to college against a veteran and supremely talented team is such an extreme difference that I am not sure how you could even question that. Yeah players used to go out of high school into the NBA, but how many actually made an impact in their first 5 games? Lebron James, thats it. Yeah Davis and them would have went straight to the NBA but that is based on POTENTIAL. None of them would have pulled a Lebron and made an impact in the first 5 games, or the year

[@isaiahlyriq]

This should've been the national championship game...hate that Marshall got hurt cause this UNC team had it all. Kentucky was more talented by a slight edge tho. Would've been a great game

[@MrUKFORLIFE]

Actually we got...Archie Goodwin, Alex Poythress, Nerlens Noel, Will Cauley..all top 40 recruits out of high school this year and three of the four are top 15..If (and we should) get Anthony Bennett that will make 4 top 15 recruits and 3 of which are in the top 10 and including the # 1 overall recruit. Plus, we'll have Ryan Harrow (A transfer from NC State who was a 5 star recruit out of high school) and a Sophomore Kyle Wiltjer. Yeah, UK reloaded..what has UNC done recruiting wise ? I'll wait.

[@MrLildeal]

Im a HUGE TAR HEEL FAN and although they lost this game it was still a great game and i love watching it VERY NICE POST!

[@dperin00011]

You realize all those classes for UNC are top 10 or top 5 classes, right? That's still a lot of talent. Roy had the #2 class in 2009 and ended up in the NIT as well. Both coaches have had #2 classes and went to NIT. What makes Williams any better? Both would have made the dance had their player not gotten injured.

[@MrUKFORLIFE]

I agree 110% with everything you said there...you speak the truth !!

[@26michaeluk]

right time. We would have been at LEAST a 7 point favorite, which is HUGE for a title game. Again yes UNC COULD have won, but considering all of the advantages you had in the first game and how our teams improved throughout the year its easy to see why UK would have been the heavy favorite. Plus whenever UK plays their is no neutral floor. Our fans outnumber others in neutral court games by a very wide margin.

[@TheEwolf22]

Such A great game! Even through my heels lost.

[@AveG33]

Man he was right when he said someone on this court will have the last points in N.O. Later this year

[@brandonknudson555]

This is easily the best game I’ve ever been to, when Davis blocked that last shot, 10 year old me started high fiving and hugging random people. Just one of those special moments I was lucky to be at

[@Btt741]

I wish they were playing next year. Hopefully they will meet in the toury

[@JTGate1]

THIS WAS A FANTASTIC GAME.

[@revans15]

Have you ever wondered what you were doing during this time. I'd give anything to watch a video of me during this time. I can't remember but I was probably smoking weed and hammered at Georgetown College. Lol good times. Can't wait for UK to be #1 again. It will be soon!

[@bartleyvictor]

We gone be playing them this year again #BBN baby GO BIG BLUE

[@Coach31844]

Great stuff keep them coming. Do you have Duke @ North Carolina???

[@26michaeluk]

That is what the Vegas odds would have been if UK and UNC met, UK would be 7 point favorites. UNC WOULD have had the best chance at beating us, there is no denying that. But AGAIN our team was so dominate that any team was going to be an underdog. We had 2 to 1 odds that we would win the title before the tournament starts. Thats UNBELIEVABLE odds for a college basketball team against the field in an NCAA tournament single elimination tournament.

[@Sn3AKERH3AD13]

These too teams were freaking stacked ! Macadoo,Barnes,Hairston ,zeller,Marshall ,Strickland. ,Henson ! Davis ,tueuge, miller,lamb ,mkg,

[@brett444]

I knew in this moment a superstar was born back when this happened

[@Forerunner42]

I wasn't talking about UNC. Of course UNC's produced tons of pros. And MJ would've succeeded no matter where he went. He was that talented.

[@whoisniilante]

Thanks for this! one of the best games this past season

[@tlight26berry]

Props to UK for being so dominant defensively in the title. Wow.

[@shaunbeeler5059]

Amazing game...best game of the year by far

[@26michaeluk]

On the bright side, after watching UNC get thrashed AGAIN tonight against Indiana, I think you guys can still make the final four. The NIT final four!

[@Forerunner42]

Yep. That's not my argument. My argument is that any coach in America with any sense would do what Calipari can do.

[@26michaeluk]

... no other school has openings like that every year. About his system. His first year he ran an inside out game for Cousins and Wall. The 2nd year he changed to the dribble handoff/pick and roll or pop for Knight who was a great shooting point guard. This year it was pick and roll with the dribble drive and flex cuts. He tweaks for players strengths. Most coaches have a system they stick with regardless. Example is Bo Ryan of Wisconsin or Rick Pitino.

[@ktrigg2]

This was such a great game to watch.

[@MrUKFORLIFE]

UK did beat Vanderbilt twice and UK also beat Indiana in the NCAA Tournament...so yes, we didn't go undefeated but we did beat every team we faced this season.

[@joelspaulding5964]

Was at this game. Won tickets at work for being a regular United Way donor. What a block.

[@MrJameswildcat]

one of the greatest win for Kentucky go big blue

[@Turtwigroxz456]

I know, but it was Indiana and Vanderbilt who beat us, and we beat Vandy twice in the regular season and we beat Indiana in the Sweet Sixteen.

[@entehrend]

Ive looked for this game everywhere online, I fucking love you for uploading it.

[@MrUKFORLIFE]

I agree, College basketball is more exciting than the NBA as a whole...the NBA Playoffs are exciting but the NBA season is long and drawn out and becomes boring as hell until the end. Also, college basketball games are a lot funner to watch in person than NBA games are as the crowds/fans in college games are louder, funner, crazier, ect. ect..than most NBA fans/crowds are...at least from my experiences.

[@danielward8645]

Kentucky played probably their C game here. UNC played really well though.

[@blueinc21]

Stop Arguing. They are both Top 10 programs with outstanding coaches and have had some of the best players in NCAA and NBA. history. Well UNC edges out a little bit more.

[@NeanderThal44]

I got a ticket to this game for 100 bucks. I was broke at time, shouldnt have spent it, had no food or gas for a week.I had to go though cause I knew it was going to be a 1 point game, I thought UK would win cause it was at home but wassnt 4sure. Im so glad i spent that money cause it was the greatest game that I had gone too. I wish UK and UofL would play either DUKE or UNC every year. It would be great to get a real Kentucky vs North Carolina rivalry going every year.

[@theHeelz7]

Wow, Kentucky was winning for 70% of this game, and then UNC just took it away from them at the end!

[@jumper86]

both of these teams would have probably won the title in every year since, with the exception of maybe 2015.

[@danielward8645]

Kidd-Gilchrist the mvp of this game tbh. UNC was killing Kentucky on the glass except for MKG and he fueled their second half run with his work around the basket on both ends.