March Madness in Kentucky has finally come to a close. A somber one at that. I had every intention of composing this post today with celebratory language and excitement, but the BBN was not so fortunate. Last night, the men of the University of Kentucky fell to the no. 7 University of Connecticut. It was a bittersweet loss, considering our university was not at all expected to go this far. Ultimately, it boils down to inexperience as our starting five are just babies…younger than me even, which seems strange with how much hype and faith we put into them as a team. It’s been a crazy month to say the least. Being ranked as a no. 8 seed in the tournament after a rocky regular season had us skeptical to say the least. When Kentucky beating Louisville, however, our eternal rivals, the streets of Lexington erupted with joy. If you hadn’t heard of our tendency to burn couches as means of celebration, I’m sure you have now. UK fans, students, Lexington residents, and those just passing through, flocked to the corners of campus (namely State Street, Limestone, and Woodland Ave.) after each game beginning with the Sweet Sixteen. ESPN and KSR have heavily covered the celebrations in Lexington that demanded heavy police presence to control the crowds. It was quite an experience each time with couches, clothing, trash, and more being burned in the streets. Thousands crowded State Street each night, intoxicated and sober, for the chance to be part of a historical celebration. Although the tournament didn’t end in our favor, I and the rest of the Big Blue Nation will still be on the lookout for our 9th National Championship title in the coming season. Next season starts today and I have nothing but faith in the boys in blue. I leave you with photos from each night I ventured out into the streets of Lexington to celebrate our victories and overwhelming love and support for the University of Kentucky. GO CATS!
