BBM: Bama vs. UK

When the Kentucky Wildcats come to down it is a different ball game. Down here in Alabama football is king, but to the Wildcats it is all about the hoops. And they are good. They aren't as good this year as last year, but it is always a big deal to upset them. Alabama did that last night in a thriller that came down to the final 2.5 seconds. Alabama held the lead most of the game and midway through the second half were up by as much as 17 points. Then the Wildcats started a run that brought them within a single point. Bama's Ben Elden stole the ball and was fouled with just a few ticks on the clock. His sunk shots left the score 68-66 where it would stay before time ran out and the Crimson Tide bench rushed the court in celebration. It was a good one. As an avid football fan I had almost forgotten how thrilling basketball can be.


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Brandon Knight (12) shoots around Alabama Crimson Tide forward Chris Hines (44) during the first half at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcat guard Deandre Liggins (34) looks to shoot past Alabama Crimson Tide forward Tony Mitchell (5) during the first half at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama won 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Terrence Jones (3) shoots past Alabama Crimson Tide forward Chris Hines (44) during the first half at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Chris Hines (44) celebrates with Alabama forward JaMychal Green (1) during the first half at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Deandre Liggins (34) drives past Alabama Crimson Tide forward Tony Mitchell (5) during the first half at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide coach Anthony Grant looks on from the sidelines during the first half at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama beat the Kentucky Wildcats 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Brandon Knight (12) battles for a loose ball with Alabama Crimson Tide guard Andrew Steele (22)nduring the first half at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama won 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward JaMychal Green (1) dunks the ball past Kentucky Wildcat guard Darius Miller (1) during the second half at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama won 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Kentucky guard Darius Miller (1)falls as he shoots during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama won 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Terrence Jones (3) battles for a rebound with Alabama Crimson Tide forward JaMychal Green (1) during the second half at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama won 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats coach John Calipari reacts during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama won 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide coach Anthony Grant talks to his players from the sidelines during the first half at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama beat the Kentucky Wildcats 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Terrence Jones (3) gets off a shot past Alabama Crimson Tide forward JaMychal Green (1) and forward Chris Hines (44) during the first half at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama won 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Terrence Jones (3) celebrates as the Wildcats forge a comeback in the second half at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama won 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Tide guard Ben Eblen (10) reacts after stealing the ball in the final seconds against the Kentucky Wildcats at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama won 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Tide guard Ben Eblen (10) shoots a free throw to score the final Tide points in their 68-66 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE


Jan 18, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward JaMychal Green (1), left, is tackled by Alabama guard Andrew Steele (22) as they celebrate their 68-66 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE