User Tools

Site Tools


game19951128_kentucky

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revision Previous revision
Next revision
Previous revision
Next revision Both sides next revision
game19951128_kentucky [2020/09/11 17:03]
mikeuma added pictures, Other content
game19951128_kentucky [2022/04/11 11:55]
mikeuma [Other content] alt source
Line 13: Line 13:
  
 ^  Previous Game  ^  Next Game  ^ ^  Previous Game  ^  Next Game  ^
-|  [[game19951117_converse_all-stars|Converse All-Stars (11/17)]]  |  [[game19951202_maryland|vs Maryland (12/2)]]  |+|  [[game19951117_converse_all-stars|vs Converse All-Stars (11/17)]]  |  [[game19951202_maryland|vs Maryland (12/2)]]  |
  
 ===== Previews ===== ===== Previews =====
Line 22: Line 22:
 It’s late November and for the Massachusetts basketball team that means only one thing: playing the top ranked team in the country. It’s late November and for the Massachusetts basketball team that means only one thing: playing the top ranked team in the country.
  
-Two years ago in the Pre Season NIT semifinals, [[https://umasshoops.com/games/1993-94/1124unc/|UMass knocked off then No. 1 North Carolina 91-86 in overtime]]. Last year it was the reigning national champion Razorbacks who came calling in the Tip-Off Classic and toppled from their top ranking by being [[https://umasshoops.com/games/1994-95/11251994.htm|blown out by the Minutemen 104-80]].+Two years ago in the Pre Season NIT semifinals, [[game19931124_north_carolina|UMass knocked off then No. 1 North Carolina 91-86 in overtime]]. Last year it was the reigning national champion Razorbacks who came calling in the Tip-Off Classic and toppled from their top ranking by being [[game19941125_arkansas|blown out by the Minutemen 104-80]].
  
 +{{ :19951128_collegian_preview_box.png?nolink&300|Preview box in The Collegian}}
 Now comes round three: the preseason number one Kentucky Wildcats in the Great Eight.  Now comes round three: the preseason number one Kentucky Wildcats in the Great Eight. 
  
Line 30: Line 31:
 The standout Minuteman in each of those contest was pre-season All-America selection, [[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]]. The 6 foot-11 junior center from Hartford, Conn, averaged 27.5 points per game during the prelude to the season opener with Kentucky.  The standout Minuteman in each of those contest was pre-season All-America selection, [[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]]. The 6 foot-11 junior center from Hartford, Conn, averaged 27.5 points per game during the prelude to the season opener with Kentucky. 
  
-UMass will need strong backcourt play out of Edgar Padilla and Carmelo Travieso, as well as quality time off of the bench from freshman Charlton Clarke.+UMass will need strong backcourt play out of [[padilla_edgar|Edgar Padilla]] and [[travieso_carmelo|Carmelo Travieso]], as well as quality time off of the bench from freshman [[clarke_charlton|Charlton Clarke]].
  
 Travieso led Minutemen guards averaging 16.5 points, per game including 7-for-17 from three point land. The Thayer Academy grad also has dished out six assists per game.  Padilla, the starting point guard, averaged 7.5 apg along with six points per game. Clarke played only against Converse with seven points and two assists.  Travieso led Minutemen guards averaging 16.5 points, per game including 7-for-17 from three point land. The Thayer Academy grad also has dished out six assists per game.  Padilla, the starting point guard, averaged 7.5 apg along with six points per game. Clarke played only against Converse with seven points and two assists. 
  
-Rick Pitino’s ‘Cats overcame an early 11 point deficit in their first regular season game against MarylandUMass' next opponent, to trounce the Terripens 96-84 in this year’s Tip-Off Classic.  Senior transfer from Washington Mark Pope scored a game high 26 points on his way to the game's MVP. Senior Tony Delk added 21 points including 10 in the last 1:12 to hold off a Maryland run. +[[pitino_rick|Rick Pitino’s]] ‘Cats overcame an early 11 point deficit in their first regular season game against [[opponent_maryland|Maryland]], UMass' next opponent, to trounce the Terripens 96-84 in this year’s Tip-Off Classic.  Senior transfer from Washington Mark Pope scored a game high 26 points on his way to the game's MVP. Senior Tony Delk added 21 points including 10 in the last 1:12 to hold off a Maryland run. 
  
-There is good reason for Kentucky’s top billing as they are loaded from top to bottom, their second unit capable of starting on most programs around the country.  Junior forward Jared Prickett was the key ingredient in the Wildcats 67-64 victory over UMass during a neutral site battle in the 1993-94 season. Prickett logged 17 points and 15 rebounds that night. In the Maryland contest Friday, he played sparingly with five points on two-of-three shooting from the field +There is good reason for Kentucky’s top billing as they are loaded from top to bottom, their second unit capable of starting on most programs around the country.  Junior forward Jared Prickett was the key ingredient in the Wildcats 67-64 victory over UMass during a neutral site battle in the 1993-94 season. Prickett logged 17 points and 15 rebounds that night. In the Maryland contest Friday, he played sparingly with five points on two-of-three shooting from the field.
  
 Kentucky also added two key freshman in their current recruiting class, signing Massachusetts native Wayne Turner as well as Ron Mercer. Both played significant minutes in the Tip Off Classic as they played a combined 30 minutes while contributing eight points to the Wildcat cause.  Kentucky also added two key freshman in their current recruiting class, signing Massachusetts native Wayne Turner as well as Ron Mercer. Both played significant minutes in the Tip Off Classic as they played a combined 30 minutes while contributing eight points to the Wildcat cause. 
  
-These teams have met three times already in the ‘90s with Kentucky coming out on top each time. The Wildcats won both contests in the’91-92 season, once at Rupp Arena during the regular season and later eliminating the Minutemen in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament 87-77. They met again at the Meadow lands in February of 1994 as Kentucky squeaked out a 67-64 victory.+These teams have met three times already in the ‘90s with Kentucky coming out on top each time. The Wildcats won both contests in the ’91-92 season, once at Rupp Arena during the regular season and later [[game19920326_kentucky|eliminating the Minutemen in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament 87-77]]. They met again at the Meadowlands in February of 1994 as [[game19940206_kentucky|Kentucky squeaked out a 67-64 victory]].
  
  
Line 48: Line 49:
 By Joe Burris, [[https://www.bostonglobe.com/|The Boston Globe]] Staff, 11/28/1995 By Joe Burris, [[https://www.bostonglobe.com/|The Boston Globe]] Staff, 11/28/1995
  
-AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - John Calipari is preaching pessimism again. Seems every year about this time, the University of Massachusetts coach gives a dismal account of his team. Before the season opener, he urges fans to be patient. His team is not performing well, he says. They're not ready for the tough schedule ahead, he says.+AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - [[calipari_john|John Calipari]] is preaching pessimism again. Seems every year about this time, the University of Massachusetts coach gives a dismal account of his team. Before the season opener, he urges fans to be patient. His team is not performing well, he says. They're not ready for the tough schedule ahead, he says.
  
 Considering that UMass is the fourth-winningest team in college basketball the last five years, Coach Cal's speeches are viewed with skepticism. Considering that UMass is the fourth-winningest team in college basketball the last five years, Coach Cal's speeches are viewed with skepticism.
  
-"If you listen to John, you'd think UMass won't win a game this season," said Kentucky coach Rick Pitino, whose top-ranked Wildcats meet the fifth- ranked Minutemen in the Great Eight tournament tonight at 9.+"If you listen to John, you'd think UMass won't win a game this season," said Kentucky coach Rick Pitino, whose top-ranked Wildcats meet the fifth-ranked Minutemen in the Great Eight tournament tonight at 9.
  
-This season, however, Calipari's concerns seem legitimate. Inconsistent showings in two exhibition games prove that UMass sorely misses power forward Lou Roe and point guard Derek Kellogg. The Minutemen undoubtedly will iron out the wrinkles, but they must do so against one of the toughest Division 1 schedules.+This season, however, Calipari's concerns seem legitimate. Inconsistent showings in two exhibition games prove that UMass sorely misses power forward [[roe_lou|Lou Roe]] and point guard [[kellogg_derek|Derek Kellogg]]. The Minutemen undoubtedly will iron out the wrinkles, but they must do so against one of the toughest Division 1 schedules.
  
 "We're still trying to find ourselves," said Calipari yesterday. "We lost one of our exhibition games and in the other we didn't play well. We're not playing with the intensity we need to have but we will get there." "We're still trying to find ourselves," said Calipari yesterday. "We lost one of our exhibition games and in the other we didn't play well. We're not playing with the intensity we need to have but we will get there."
Line 60: Line 61:
 Since Calipari arrived at UMass eight years ago, every one of his teams has matched or bettered the success of the previous one. That has been due in part to players like Roe, who was the school's leading career rebounder and No. 2 scorer, and Kellogg, who had a 2-1 assist-to-turnover ratio and was a coach on the court. Since Calipari arrived at UMass eight years ago, every one of his teams has matched or bettered the success of the previous one. That has been due in part to players like Roe, who was the school's leading career rebounder and No. 2 scorer, and Kellogg, who had a 2-1 assist-to-turnover ratio and was a coach on the court.
  
 +{{ :19951128_pregame_huddle.jpg?direct&300}}
 With those two in the lineup, Calipari's concerns about intensity and leadership were minimal. Now he must rely on players who aren't accustomed to those roles. With those two in the lineup, Calipari's concerns about intensity and leadership were minimal. Now he must rely on players who aren't accustomed to those roles.
  
Line 66: Line 68:
 "That means we're going to have to do things we've never done before. We have been a man-to-man team 99.9 percent of the time. But this year, we may have to play a little triangle-and-two, box-and-one." "That means we're going to have to do things we've never done before. We have been a man-to-man team 99.9 percent of the time. But this year, we may have to play a little triangle-and-two, box-and-one."
  
-While some things might change, Calipari wants to maintain the claw-and- scrap work ethic. At times, he hasn't seen much of that in practice -- like yesterday. He wasted no time voicing his displeasure.+While some things might change, Calipari wants to maintain the claw-and-scrap work ethic. At times, he hasn't seen much of that in practice -- like yesterday. He wasted no time voicing his displeasure.
  
 "The mood of the team has been fine, my mood hasn't been good," he said. "The mood of the team has been fine, my mood hasn't been good," he said.
Line 104: Line 106:
 But the ringleader of that bunch was Lou Roe, and he can be found in the FleetCenter tonight in his new gig as a member of the Detroit Pistons. Roe was more than just a rugged, 6-foot-7-inch inside player who guaranteed the Minutemen X points and X rebounds a night. Lou Roe was a ferocious competitor, and that spirit rubbed off on the team. But the ringleader of that bunch was Lou Roe, and he can be found in the FleetCenter tonight in his new gig as a member of the Detroit Pistons. Roe was more than just a rugged, 6-foot-7-inch inside player who guaranteed the Minutemen X points and X rebounds a night. Lou Roe was a ferocious competitor, and that spirit rubbed off on the team.
  
-Also missing from the '94-95 cast is Derek Kellogg, the three-year point guard who seemingly never made a mistake. Many's the night Calipari knew how lucky he was to have such a thoroughly dependable point guard at his disposal.+Also missing from the [[season_1994-95|'94-95]] cast is Derek Kellogg, the three-year point guard who seemingly never made a mistake. Many's the night Calipari knew how lucky he was to have such a thoroughly dependable point guard at his disposal.
  
 "The layman would never understand how valuable a player like Kellogg was to us," Calipari explained. "Real basketball fans know. There were many more talented players around, but not many as steady. "The layman would never understand how valuable a player like Kellogg was to us," Calipari explained. "Real basketball fans know. There were many more talented players around, but not many as steady.
Line 112: Line 114:
 This year Calipari has no true point guard. He's got Edgar Padilla and Carmelo Travieso, each of whom can shoot better than Kellogg, but neither of whom has ever really had to take permanent control of the team. Could either or both survive Kentucky's vaunted pressure? Hours before game time, Coach Cal had no idea. This year Calipari has no true point guard. He's got Edgar Padilla and Carmelo Travieso, each of whom can shoot better than Kellogg, but neither of whom has ever really had to take permanent control of the team. Could either or both survive Kentucky's vaunted pressure? Hours before game time, Coach Cal had no idea.
  
-Speaking of Kentucky, what kind of an opener is this? Where is North Adams State when you need it? What, was AIC booked?+Speaking of Kentucky, what kind of an opener is this? Where is North Adams State when you need it? What, was [[opponent_aic|AIC]] booked?
  
 "We're playing in the Great Eight, and that's the way it is," shrugged Calipari, whose team split its two exhibition games. "If we want to continue to be in a national program, it means we can't back away from games like this, if asked. I'm not worried about my record. We have to look at it as a valuable way to help prepare for March. The other thing is that it takes away a home game, but you do get a financial reward." "We're playing in the Great Eight, and that's the way it is," shrugged Calipari, whose team split its two exhibition games. "If we want to continue to be in a national program, it means we can't back away from games like this, if asked. I'm not worried about my record. We have to look at it as a valuable way to help prepare for March. The other thing is that it takes away a home game, but you do get a financial reward."
Line 149: Line 151:
 It is the second straight season that the Minutemen (1-0) started their season by defeating the top-ranked team in the country. It is the second straight season that the Minutemen (1-0) started their season by defeating the top-ranked team in the country.
  
-Massachusetts routed Arkansas in the Tip-Off Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts, last year, 104-80.+Massachusetts routed Arkansas in the Tip-Off Classic in [[springfield_civic_center|Springfield]], Massachusetts, last year, 104-80.
  
 The Minutemen improved to 3-0 all-time against number one teams and won for the first time in four tries against Kentucky. The Minutemen improved to 3-0 all-time against number one teams and won for the first time in four tries against Kentucky.
Line 163: Line 165:
 "We didn't make our free throws, there's really no excuses for our players not shooting well at the foul line. No way is this a great basketball team. The number one thing is that we're not executing. Our veterans are playing like inexperienced players." "We didn't make our free throws, there's really no excuses for our players not shooting well at the foul line. No way is this a great basketball team. The number one thing is that we're not executing. Our veterans are playing like inexperienced players."
  
-Dana Dingle added 19 points for Massachusetts, which ran out to a 29-10 lead and never trailed in the game. Camby scored eight points in the first 10 minutes for the Minutemen.+[{{ https://umasshoops.com/games/1995-96/1128kentucky/weeks_defense.jpg?nolink|Tyrone Weeks gets in Mark Pope's face.}}] 
 +[[dingle_dana|Dana Dingle]] added 19 points for Massachusetts, which ran out to a 29-10 lead and never trailed in the game. Camby scored eight points in the first 10 minutes for the Minutemen.
  
 "We knew they were going to make a run," said Camby. "You have to give credit to our team, our guards were outstanding. We knew they would double and triple-team me, but the guards got me the ball and I was able to do something." "We knew they were going to make a run," said Camby. "You have to give credit to our team, our guards were outstanding. We knew they would double and triple-team me, but the guards got me the ball and I was able to do something."
Line 184: Line 187:
 "If we can't play defense against these guys," junior Marcus Camby asked after playing a sloppy exhibition game. "What are we going to do against Kentucky?"  "If we can't play defense against these guys," junior Marcus Camby asked after playing a sloppy exhibition game. "What are we going to do against Kentucky?" 
  
 +[{{ :19951128_dingle_drive.jpg?nolink|Dana Dingle drives on UK's Ron Mercer (L), Derek Anderson (C), and Walter McCarty (R)}}]
 Answer: Win.  Answer: Win. 
  
Line 190: Line 194:
 This adds another chapter to the legacy of UMass knocking off top ranked teams. North Carolina 91-86 (OT) in 1993 and Arkansas 104-80 last year.  This adds another chapter to the legacy of UMass knocking off top ranked teams. North Carolina 91-86 (OT) in 1993 and Arkansas 104-80 last year. 
  
-Just 37 seconds into the contest senior co-captain Donta Bright nailed a three-pointer with the shot clock running down to give UMass the lead. It also started a 9-to-1 run that got the Minutemen out of the blocks quickly, as well as gaining confidence over Rick Pitino’s troops. +Just 37 seconds into the contest senior co-captain [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]] nailed a three-pointer with the shot clock running down to give UMass the lead. It also started a 9-to-1 run that got the Minutemen out of the blocks quickly, as well as gaining confidence over Rick Pitino’s troops. 
  
 Instead of letting up. the Minutemen continued what got them the lead pressuring the Kentucky backcourt and making the Wildcats take rushed shots. That lead to UMass opening up their biggest lead of the night at 29-10, ten minutes into the first half. At that point Kentucky had only hit three baskets from the field.  Instead of letting up. the Minutemen continued what got them the lead pressuring the Kentucky backcourt and making the Wildcats take rushed shots. That lead to UMass opening up their biggest lead of the night at 29-10, ten minutes into the first half. At that point Kentucky had only hit three baskets from the field. 
  
-The Wildcats true to their ranking were far from finished as they used the three-pointer as the major weapon in getting back into the game hitting six-of-seven from downtown, including all five in the final 10 minutes of the half. Tony Delk (21 points) hit three while Walter McCarty (17 points) sank two in the 31-14 run that got the Wildcats within two with 1:43 left in the first half. And when Antoine Walker hit a bank shot with three seconds remaining, the game went to the half tied at 45. +The Wildcatstrue to their rankingwere far from finished as they used the three-pointer as the major weapon in getting back into the game hitting six-of-seven from downtown, including all five in the final 10 minutes of the half. Tony Delk (21 points) hit three while Walter McCarty (17 points) sank two in the 31-14 run that got the Wildcats within two with 1:43 left in the first half. And when Antoine Walker hit a bank shot with three seconds remaining, the game went to the half tied at 45. 
  
 "We knew they were going to make a run," Camby said. "They are a good team and you've got to give them credit."  "We knew they were going to make a run," Camby said. "They are a good team and you've got to give them credit." 
Line 200: Line 204:
 The second half started much like the first, as Camby stole a Ron Mercer pass from the top of the key and went in for a flying two-handed slam for a lead the Minutemen would never relinquish.  The second half started much like the first, as Camby stole a Ron Mercer pass from the top of the key and went in for a flying two-handed slam for a lead the Minutemen would never relinquish. 
  
-[{{ :19951128_dingle_drive.jpg?nolink|Dana Dingle drives on UK's Ron Mercer (L), Derek Anderson (C), and Walter McCarty (R)}}] 
 Camby, who was by far the standout in the first half, got tremendous support from senior Dana Dingle (15 second half points, 19 for the game). Bright chipped in as well, scoring 17 on the night.  Camby, who was by far the standout in the first half, got tremendous support from senior Dana Dingle (15 second half points, 19 for the game). Bright chipped in as well, scoring 17 on the night. 
  
 +[{{ :19951128_travieso_dribbles.jpg?direct&250|Carmelo Travieso pushes up-court.}}]
 The UMass backcourt of Edgar Padilla and Carmelo Travieso played all but the last minute of the game. Freshman Charlton Clarke attempted to play, but after on the court for less than a minute in the first half, had to come out of the game. When he returned from the locker room at halftime, Clarke was on crutches. The UMass backcourt of Edgar Padilla and Carmelo Travieso played all but the last minute of the game. Freshman Charlton Clarke attempted to play, but after on the court for less than a minute in the first half, had to come out of the game. When he returned from the locker room at halftime, Clarke was on crutches.
  
Line 213: Line 217:
 A glaring weakness in the past for the Minutemen was their foul shooting. There was no sign of that on this night as the margin of victory came down to how UMass shot from the charity stripe. Calipari's corps was 31-37 from the line, while Kentucky was only 18-28.  A glaring weakness in the past for the Minutemen was their foul shooting. There was no sign of that on this night as the margin of victory came down to how UMass shot from the charity stripe. Calipari's corps was 31-37 from the line, while Kentucky was only 18-28. 
  
-UMass returns to action Saturday in the Franklin National Bank classic against Maryland.+UMass returns to action Saturday in the Franklin National Bank Classic against Maryland.
  
  
Line 227: Line 231:
 Nonsense. Nonsense.
  
 +[{{ ::19951128_game_ball.jpg?direct&400|John Calipari displays a game ball in his office.((https://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari/status/1332876372868554752))}}]
 The same players that cried after a subpar effort in an exhibition game against a Russian team scored one of the biggest wins in school history last night, a 92-82 dismissal of top-ranked Kentucky in the second annual Great Eight tournament at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The same players that cried after a subpar effort in an exhibition game against a Russian team scored one of the biggest wins in school history last night, a 92-82 dismissal of top-ranked Kentucky in the second annual Great Eight tournament at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
  
Line 245: Line 250:
 Then there was forward Donta Bright. He scored 7 of UMass' first 16 points and finished with 17. Dana Dingle overcame a sluggish start to tally 19 points. Then there was forward Donta Bright. He scored 7 of UMass' first 16 points and finished with 17. Dana Dingle overcame a sluggish start to tally 19 points.
  
 +[{{ :19951128_norville_in_paint.jpg?direct&250|Inus Norville battles in the paint.}}]
 That was it for UMass' scoring. While Kentucky got a combined 32 points from its reserves, the UMass bench players did not take a shot from the floor or the line. That was it for UMass' scoring. While Kentucky got a combined 32 points from its reserves, the UMass bench players did not take a shot from the floor or the line.
  
Line 255: Line 261:
 Kentucky's press was not as effective in the second half, and UMass surprisingly risked a 2-3 zone trap against the Wildcats' 3-point shooters. It worked. Kentucky's press was not as effective in the second half, and UMass surprisingly risked a 2-3 zone trap against the Wildcats' 3-point shooters. It worked.
  
-With 16:50 to go, UMass went ahead, 68-58, and appeared primed to open more room. But again Kentucky rallied and with 10:05 left cut the margin to 64-62 on Tony Delk's trey. UMass answered with clutch basketes by Camby, Dingle and Bright to keep the Wildcats at bay.+With 16:50 to go, UMass went ahead, 68-58, and appeared primed to open more room. But again Kentucky rallied and with 10:05 left cut the margin to 64-62 on Tony Delk's trey. UMass answered with clutch baskets by Camby, Dingle and Bright to keep the Wildcats at bay.
  
 "They were a better team tonight, no question about it," said Kentucky coach Rick Pitino. "Marcus Camby is truly one of the best players in the country offensively and defensively. We had too many difficult baskets, and that is because Marcus played so well." "They were a better team tonight, no question about it," said Kentucky coach Rick Pitino. "Marcus Camby is truly one of the best players in the country offensively and defensively. We had too many difficult baskets, and that is because Marcus played so well."
Line 286: Line 292:
 ``Can you imagine our two guards playing 40 minutes?" gushed Calipari. He was exaggerating, but very little. Carmelo Travieso played 36 minutes, receiving a three-minute respite in the first half. Edgar Padilla, meanwhile, played 39 consecutive minutes and change, being removed by Coach Cal in the final minute when the game's winning or losing issue was no longer in doubt. ``Can you imagine our two guards playing 40 minutes?" gushed Calipari. He was exaggerating, but very little. Carmelo Travieso played 36 minutes, receiving a three-minute respite in the first half. Edgar Padilla, meanwhile, played 39 consecutive minutes and change, being removed by Coach Cal in the final minute when the game's winning or losing issue was no longer in doubt.
  
 +[{{ :19951128_padilla_free_throw.jpg?direct&250|Edgar Padilla was clutch with 7-8 free throw shooting.}}]
 The two Puerto Rico natives had to withstand the most frightening pressure college basketball has to offer. ``Kentucky comes at you in waves and swarms," said Calipari. Padilla and Travieso had zero backcourt help because prime sub Charlton Clarke sustained a foot injury in the only minute he played. Under the relentless Kentucky pressure, they cracked on occasion. But they hung in there and they got the ball to the right place often enough for the starting frontcourt to score 68 points while scoring 24 themselves. The two Puerto Rico natives had to withstand the most frightening pressure college basketball has to offer. ``Kentucky comes at you in waves and swarms," said Calipari. Padilla and Travieso had zero backcourt help because prime sub Charlton Clarke sustained a foot injury in the only minute he played. Under the relentless Kentucky pressure, they cracked on occasion. But they hung in there and they got the ball to the right place often enough for the starting frontcourt to score 68 points while scoring 24 themselves.
  
 The five University of Massachusetts starters scored every one of the 92 points. It was one of the truly great five-man efforts in UMass history. But it represented something more than points, rebounds, assists and steals to the coach. He was looking for some things that were not to be found in any box score. The five University of Massachusetts starters scored every one of the 92 points. It was one of the truly great five-man efforts in UMass history. But it represented something more than points, rebounds, assists and steals to the coach. He was looking for some things that were not to be found in any box score.
  
-[{{ https://umasshoops.com/games/1995-96/1128kentucky/weeks_defense.jpg?nolink|Tyrone Weeks gets in Mark Pope's face.}}] 
 ``The biggest worry I had was whether or not we would play UMass basketball," said Coach Cal. ``Would we be aggressive? Would we go for the jugular? Would we play with passion and emotion? Would we dive on the floor? Would we make the extra pass? Would we play with that `refuse to lose' attitude? Those questions were answered. How we're going to play, I don't know yet. But if you play hard, you've got a chance." ``The biggest worry I had was whether or not we would play UMass basketball," said Coach Cal. ``Would we be aggressive? Would we go for the jugular? Would we play with passion and emotion? Would we dive on the floor? Would we make the extra pass? Would we play with that `refuse to lose' attitude? Those questions were answered. How we're going to play, I don't know yet. But if you play hard, you've got a chance."
  
 When Coach Cal is old and gray and he once again thinks about this game, he'll be thinking about a team that built a 19-point (29-10) first-half lead, found itself tied at halftime, then never allowed a deeper team to feel the satisfaction of a second-half lead for so much as one second or one possession. In other words, UMass took Kentucky's best comeback shot and then turned around and beat the Wildcats a second time. I would wager that when Grandpa Cal starts reminiscing about his fondest UMass memories, this game will be very close to the top of the list. When Coach Cal is old and gray and he once again thinks about this game, he'll be thinking about a team that built a 19-point (29-10) first-half lead, found itself tied at halftime, then never allowed a deeper team to feel the satisfaction of a second-half lead for so much as one second or one possession. In other words, UMass took Kentucky's best comeback shot and then turned around and beat the Wildcats a second time. I would wager that when Grandpa Cal starts reminiscing about his fondest UMass memories, this game will be very close to the top of the list.
  
 +[{{ ::19951128_dingle_move.jpg?direct&300|Dana Dingle makes a move for the lane. Photo credit: Jonathan Daniel via Getty Images.}}]
 What a sweet game it was. It was Padilla and Travieso burying early threes to give themselves some confidence. It was Donta Bright owning the baseline and playing his best game since hitting Arkansas with 24 last year. It was Dana Dingle slashing to the hoop, hitting face-up jumpers and even astonishing Minutemen hoop cognoscenti with two right-hand baskets. What a sweet game it was. It was Padilla and Travieso burying early threes to give themselves some confidence. It was Donta Bright owning the baseline and playing his best game since hitting Arkansas with 24 last year. It was Dana Dingle slashing to the hoop, hitting face-up jumpers and even astonishing Minutemen hoop cognoscenti with two right-hand baskets.
  
Line 303: Line 310:
 Marcus Camby was a Man, capital M, last night. He let Kentucky know who was boss inside with five blocks. He hit enough soft turnarounds, graceful moves to the hoop and free throws (10 of 11) to match his career high of 32 points. He had nine rebounds. And he made clutch play after clutch play after clutch play. Marcus Camby was a Man, capital M, last night. He let Kentucky know who was boss inside with five blocks. He hit enough soft turnarounds, graceful moves to the hoop and free throws (10 of 11) to match his career high of 32 points. He had nine rebounds. And he made clutch play after clutch play after clutch play.
  
-Three times in the second half, he hit turnarounds in traffic when the lead was down to 2. On one, he looked like Patrick Ewing as he took three men to the left baseline and swished a monster shot.+Three times in the second half, he hit turnarounds in traffic when the lead was down to 2. On one, he looked like [[wp>Patrick Ewing]] as he took three men to the left baseline and swished a monster shot.
  
 But perhaps the biggest play of the entire ballgame came on the first possession of the second half. Kentucky had the basketball. One of those patented threes could have done some damage. Not to worry. The 6-foot-11-inch Camby flashed out high to pick off a sloppy pass and took it all the way for a thundering dunk, which, according Dingle, ``picked our emotional intensity up again." But perhaps the biggest play of the entire ballgame came on the first possession of the second half. Kentucky had the basketball. One of those patented threes could have done some damage. Not to worry. The 6-foot-11-inch Camby flashed out high to pick off a sloppy pass and took it all the way for a thundering dunk, which, according Dingle, ``picked our emotional intensity up again."
Line 320: Line 327:
 When the University of Massachusetts junior center swatted a University of Kentucky attempt into orbit for the fifth time, you pitied the Wildcat fans who couldn't stomach horror films. But he was like the Rottweiler in "The Omen": Whenever he entered the picture, the adversary had no chance. When the University of Massachusetts junior center swatted a University of Kentucky attempt into orbit for the fifth time, you pitied the Wildcat fans who couldn't stomach horror films. But he was like the Rottweiler in "The Omen": Whenever he entered the picture, the adversary had no chance.
  
-[{{ :19951128_camby_tracks_delk.jpg?nolink&400|Camby prepares to erase Tony Delk's shot}}]+[{{ :19951128_camby_tracks_delk.jpg?nolink&400|Camby prepares to erase Tony Delk's shot.}}]
 When the game was over, Camby had led fifth-ranked UMass to a 92-82 shocker over top-ranked Kentucky with an awesome display of power and precision. When the game was over, Camby had led fifth-ranked UMass to a 92-82 shocker over top-ranked Kentucky with an awesome display of power and precision.
  
 "Marcus Camby is truly one of the best players in the country, offensively and defensively," said Kentucky coach Rick Pitino. "We had so many difficult baskets, and that was because Marcus played so well." "Marcus Camby is truly one of the best players in the country, offensively and defensively," said Kentucky coach Rick Pitino. "We had so many difficult baskets, and that was because Marcus played so well."
  
-In doing so, Camby proved he will take over the leader-enforcer role that Lou Roe and Harper Williams once assumed. Yet unlike Roe and Williams, ferocious warrior types who outmuscled the opposition, Camby uses size, finesse and timing. With him, UMass still is capable of matching up with anyone in the country.+In doing so, Camby proved he will take over the leader-enforcer role that Lou Roe and [[williams_harper|Harper Williams]] once assumed. Yet unlike Roe and Williams, ferocious warrior types who outmuscled the opposition, Camby uses size, finesse and timing. With him, UMass still is capable of matching up with anyone in the country.
  
 "I just had to step it up," said Camby, who finished with 32 points, nine rebounds and five blocked shots. "We were getting a lot of pressure; a lot of people were saying that because we lost Lou, Derek Kellogg and Mike Williams, we weren't going to be as skilled. We circled the wagons, put together a strong effort and got away with the victory. "I just had to step it up," said Camby, who finished with 32 points, nine rebounds and five blocked shots. "We were getting a lot of pressure; a lot of people were saying that because we lost Lou, Derek Kellogg and Mike Williams, we weren't going to be as skilled. We circled the wagons, put together a strong effort and got away with the victory.
Line 357: Line 364:
 Rick Rick
  
-[{{ :19951128_camby_vs_walker.jpg?nolink|Antoine Walker blocks out Camby}}] +[{{ :19951128_camby_vs_walker.jpg?nolink|Antoine Walker blocks out Camby.}}] 
-When you're Kentucky, and the major issue with your conglomeration of pampered High School All-Americans is parceling out playing time, a loss on Nov. 28 is not such a bad thing, as long as it doesn't come to someone your fans really care about, like, say, Louisville. Hence Rick Pitino's postgame attitude, which could be described as borderline cavalier.+When you're Kentucky, and the major issue with your conglomeration of pampered High School All-Americans is parceling out playing time, a loss on Nov. 28 is not such a bad thing, as long as it doesn't come to someone your fans really care about, like, say, [[opponent_louisville|Louisville]]. Hence Rick Pitino's postgame attitude, which could be described as borderline cavalier.
  
 "Trying to mesh 10 or 11 players is harder than trying to mesh seven," declared Pitino following the 92-82 University of Massachusetts triumph. ''We're going to lose again, early on. We're not a great basketball team, but we will be come March." "Trying to mesh 10 or 11 players is harder than trying to mesh seven," declared Pitino following the 92-82 University of Massachusetts triumph. ''We're going to lose again, early on. We're not a great basketball team, but we will be come March."
Line 368: Line 375:
 Simply put: UMass is relentlessly on the make. Kentucky was made a long time ago, along about the time FDR was into his Fireside Chats. Simply put: UMass is relentlessly on the make. Kentucky was made a long time ago, along about the time FDR was into his Fireside Chats.
  
-Never, ever forget how recently UMass was a certified college basketball bozo. In the 10 years B.C. (Before Calipari), UMass was 81-194, without a winning season. The best year during that span was 13-15 in 1984-85. There was even a season in which UMass did not win a Division 1 game.+Never, ever forget how recently UMass was a certified college basketball bozo. In the 10 years B.C. (Before Calipari), UMass was 81-194, without a winning season. The best year during that span was 13-15 in [[season_1984-85|1984-85]]. There was even a [[season_1980-81|season in which UMass did not win a Division 1 game]].
  
 If a Kentucky coach ever went through a season without defeating a Division 1 opponent, he would not be fired. He would be executed. On statewide television. If a Kentucky coach ever went through a season without defeating a Division 1 opponent, he would not be fired. He would be executed. On statewide television.
  
-UMass is now 112-18 during the last four-and-a-fraction seasons, with four consecutive Atlantic 10 championships, but it is still nowhere near Establishment. Despite John Calipari's reputation as a demon recruiter, the fact is he is making do with something less than first-choice recruits. There are certain programs that routinely recruit on a national basis. The Dukes, Carolinas, Kansases and Kentuckys are always assumed to be involved with any Top 20 player. Even archrival -- and don't think it's anything less than that -- Connecticut now regularly recruits from Calais to Chula Vista. Not so Your State U. In the last four years, they have recruited exactly two (2) players who had attracted widespread national interest -- Lou Roe and Donta Bright. Even Camby is a lucky accident of geography. Most people didn't catch onto him until it was too late. It became a battle of Storrs vs. Amherst. Coach K and Little Ricky were never involved.+UMass is now 112-18 during the last four-and-a-fraction seasons, with four consecutive Atlantic 10 championships, but it is still nowhere near Establishment. Despite John Calipari's reputation as a demon recruiter, the fact is he is making do with something less than first-choice recruits. There are certain programs that routinely recruit on a national basis. The [[opponent_duke|Dukes]][[opponent_north_carolina|Carolinas]][[opponent_kansas|Kansases]] and Kentuckys are always assumed to be involved with any Top 20 player. Even archrival -- and don't think it's anything less than that -- [[opponent_connecticut|Connecticut]] now regularly recruits from Calais to Chula Vista. Not so Your State U. In the last four years, they have recruited exactly two (2) players who had attracted widespread national interest -- Lou Roe and Donta Bright. Even Camby is a lucky accident of geography. Most people didn't catch onto him until it was too late. It became a battle of Storrs vs. Amherst. Coach K and Little Ricky were never involved.
  
 Calipari has good players, but they aren't the inner sanctum high school elite people sometimes think they are. Indeed, Coach Cal and his staff, only hours prior to pistol-whipping Pitino's assortment of marquee studs, were amusing themselves by speculating on just how few of their players Pitino would even put on a list, let alone actively recruit. Calipari has good players, but they aren't the inner sanctum high school elite people sometimes think they are. Indeed, Coach Cal and his staff, only hours prior to pistol-whipping Pitino's assortment of marquee studs, were amusing themselves by speculating on just how few of their players Pitino would even put on a list, let alone actively recruit.
  
 +[{{ :19951128_weeks_victorious.jpg?direct&300|Tyrone Weeks and UMass took down another #1.}}]
 Kentucky is Kentucky is Kentucky, but UMass is still out there hustling, trying to get attention. That's why a game like this is so vitally important for Your State U. Kentucky is Kentucky is Kentucky, but UMass is still out there hustling, trying to get attention. That's why a game like this is so vitally important for Your State U.
  
 This was a Validation Game, of which, I reckon, there have been at least five during the Calipari Era: This was a Validation Game, of which, I reckon, there have been at least five during the Calipari Era:
  
-1. [[https://umasshoops.com/games/1991-92/0104oklahoma|Jan. 4, 1992. UMass 86, Oklahoma 73.]] A true national TV Coming-Out Party.+1. [[game19920104_oklahoma|Jan. 4, 1992. UMass 86, Oklahoma 73.]] A true national TV Coming-Out Party.
  
 2. [[game19920322_syracuse|March 22, 1992. UMass 77, Syracuse 71 (OT).]] Take that, Big East. 2. [[game19920322_syracuse|March 22, 1992. UMass 77, Syracuse 71 (OT).]] Take that, Big East.
Line 390: Line 398:
 5. Nov. 28, 1995. UMass 92, Kentucky 82. Roughs up yet another No. 1 team with a classic tradition. 5. Nov. 28, 1995. UMass 92, Kentucky 82. Roughs up yet another No. 1 team with a classic tradition.
  
-When UMass plays brilliantly to defeat a No. 1-ranked Kentucky team, John Calipari never knows who is sitting home watching. It might be a 6-foot-11-inch center. It might be a 6-7 forward with Grant Hill skills. It might even be the next Muggsy Bogues. Whoever he is, there might be something about the UMass style of play, something about Calipari, something about -- who knows? -- the uniforms that kid may like. He might factor UMass into his thinking. You never know.+When UMass plays brilliantly to defeat a No. 1-ranked Kentucky team, John Calipari never knows who is sitting home watching. It might be a 6-foot-11-inch center. It might be a 6-7 forward with [[wp>Grant Hill]] skills. It might even be the next [[wp>Muggsy Bogues]]. Whoever he is, there might be something about the UMass style of play, something about Calipari, something about -- who knows? -- the uniforms that kid may like. He might factor UMass into his thinking. You never know.
  
-What we do know is that Your State U's display of athletic excellence two nights ago put the name of the school on the lips of every college basketball fan in America. Now it's up to incoming president William ("How-Many-Men-Did- You-Say-There-Are-On-A-Side?") Bulger to give his basketball team a university it can be proud of.+What we do know is that Your State U's display of athletic excellence two nights ago put the name of the school on the lips of every college basketball fan in America. Now it's up to incoming president [[wp>William_Bulger|William ("How-Many-Men-Did- You-Say-There-Are-On-A-Side?") Bulger]] to give his basketball team a university it can be proud of.
  
 ===== Other content ===== ===== Other content =====
-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWVFTA4qQRA|Recording of ESPN Classic re-broadcast, commercial breaks excluded, 480p]]\\ +  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWVFTA4qQRA|Recording of ESPN Classic re-broadcast, commercial breaks excluded, 480p]] 
-[[https://youtu.be/JzUeh96lyhs?t=77|Highlights from UMass Athletics]]+  * Highlights from [[https://twitter.com/ClassicsCBB/status/1309617193391333376|ESPN]], [[https://youtu.be/JzUeh96lyhs?t=77|UMass Athletics]], [[https://youtu.be/oFEqdk_9WHQ?t=15|Season banquet video]]<!-- Alt source for ESPN highlights https://twitter.com/Alcides_Coop/status/1513522051763642376 --> 
 +  * [[https://19nine.com/blogs/news/h-v-s-classics-umass-kentucky-1995?_pos=3&_sid=b9d8fff5b&_ss=r|Article from HVS Classics]]
  
 ===== Box Score ===== ===== Box Score =====
Line 466: Line 475:
 </code> </code>
  
-{{tag>"1995-96 season" "Kentucky" "Ranked game" "Win over Top 25" "Win over Top 10" "Win over Top 5" "Win over Number 1" "Work in Progress"}}+{{tag>"1995-96 season" "Kentucky" "Ranked game" "Game versus Top 25 opponent" "Game versus Top 10 opponent" "Game versus Top 5 opponent" "Game versus Number 1 opponent" "Win over Top 25" "Win over Top 10" "Win over Top 5" "Win over Number 1"}}
game19951128_kentucky.txt · Last modified: 2023/11/28 12:56 by mikeuma