Wisconsin vs Kentucky 2003
The #5-Seed Badgers and #1-Seed Wildcats met in Minneapolis in the Sweet 16 in the 2003 NCAA Tournament. Kentucky was riding a 25-game winning streak and the heavy favorite to win it all. I was at this game and it was loooouuuuuddd even in a (maybe) half-filled metrodome. This was before the NCAA figured out how to maximize space in football stadiums. The other matchup was Marquette – Pittsburgh so the neutrals were in full voice as well supporting Wisconsin (in the hopes of avoiding Big Blue Nation). Ashley Judd was there which I care about today precisely as much as I did then. Kirk Penney roared out of the blocks pouring in 17 of Wisconsin’s 28 first half points. He was held to just three in the second half. Wisconsin had no answer for Marquis Estill of the Wildcats. The Kentucky big had 28 points (12-18 FG) and six rebounds. Kentucky was up 59-57 with about a minute left and the Badgers forced a miss. Estill got the rebound and scored to make it 61-57. Wisconsin never scored again. I didn’t need to watch the clip below. I just still remember it clearly.
Final Kentucky 63 Wisconsin 57
*Dwayne Wade and Marquette crushed Kentucky in the Regional Final destroying what was left of my bracket.