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3 'Shining Moments' From Kentucky's 2019-20 College Basketball Season

By Scott Rogust

These are the three shining moments for the Kentucky Wildcats 2019-20 season.
These are the three shining moments for the Kentucky Wildcats 2019-20 season. / Michael Hickey/Getty Images

The real start to the college basketball season was supposed to commence this week. However, the coronavirus pandemic canceled conference tournaments this past week before the NCAA opted to not hold the March Madness tourney this year.

Yes, that means there won't be a "One Shining Moment" video tribute of the Big Dance this year. Considering the biggest tournament in all of sports is canceled, we will focus on specific team's greatest moments of the 2019-20 season.

On this list, we look at the Kentucky Wildcats' "shining moments."

3. Defeating Top Ranked Michigan State in Season Opener

Kentucky began their season by defeating No. 1 ranked Michigan State.
Kentucky began their season by defeating No. 1 ranked Michigan State. / Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

The Wildcats created a moment at the very start of this season. They had the chance to play in Madison Square Garden for the State Farm Champions Classic, where they faced the No. 1 ranked Michigan State Spartans. Kentucky imposed their will from the get-go, and thanks to a 26 point, five rebound performance from guard Tyrese Maxey, the Wildcats earned a 69-62 win over Michigan State. Dethroning the top-seeded team in the nation is nothing new for the Wildcats, as they accomplished that feat for the second consecutive season. Not bad for the Cats.

2. Overtime Win vs. Louisville

Kentucky's overtime win over Louisville was huge.
Kentucky's overtime win over Louisville was huge. / Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The Battle of Kentucky is a years-long, fierce rivalry between the Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals. While recent history has gone to the Wildcats, this year's victory didn't come easy. Kentucky had to take the then-No. 3 ranked Cardinals to overtime, but outlasted them for the 78-70 win. Once again, Maxey showed up in the clutch, as he recorded 27 points and seven rebounds. As a result, the Wildcats have now won 11 of their last 13 meetings against Louisville.

1. Comeback Win Over Florida in Regular Season Finale

Kentucky came back from a 18-point deficit to defeat Florida.
Kentucky came back from a 18-point deficit to defeat Florida. / Silas Walker/Getty Images

Entering the regular season finale against Florida, Kentucky was stewing over their 81-73 loss to Tennessee. With 11:36 remaining in the second half, the Wildcats faced a 18-point deficit to the Gators. Instead of faltering, Kentucky spearheaded a tremendous comeback to win 71-70. This was the moment that defined the 2019-20 season, and it appeared the Wildcats had all the momentum heading into the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately, life had other plans. But Kentucky can't say they didn't go out on top.