At CoachCal.com -- 94-feet: On the verge of Perfection

by Ken Howlett on Jan 24, 2012 4:08 PM EST in Media

In my 94-feet article, and in preparation for Kentucky's battle with the Georgia Bulldogs, I take a quick peek at the UK/UGA series history as well as the series superlatives, then examine Melvin Turpin's nearly perfect game against UGA in the 1984 SEC tourney. Here's an excerpt:

"Early on in the contest it became clear it would be the Cats' day. With Kentucky guards Dicky Beal and Jim Master making shots, Georgia's tightly packed zone began to loosen a bit, turning the game into Turpin time.

"Dominating around the rim, Turpin scored on put-backs, tip-ins and dunks, and in one four-minute stretch of the first half (13:30 to 9:30), the big man scored 11 consecutive Wildcat points, propelling UK to a 33-16 lead. As if to reiterate his size advantage, the 15,426 in attendance at Vanderbilt's Memorial Gymnasium witnessed Turpin make seven of his 11 first-half shots on follow-ups after a UK miss."

For the full story, go here.

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I got to see part of the '84 tournament-

I was working in Nashville at the time, and went by Vandy and bought two books of tickets from an Ole Miss fan. Ole Miss had been put out and this fan was going home. My wife and I got to see UK and Alabama, and UK Auburn. Bobby Lee Hurt was Alabama’s big man, but our twin towers were too much for him. Charles Barkley and Auburn gave the Cats all they wanted in the Final. Kenny Walker’s last second shot gave the Cats the Championship. Barkley was named tourney MVP, and the whole place started chanting Melvin, Melvin… Great memories…

"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"

by iam4ukintn on Jan 24, 2012 4:49 PM EST reply actions

Really enjoyed the article Ken

Georgia was coming off a Final Four year (1983) that year. I think they had some pretty important personnel losses (Terry Fair) before UK and Turpin “took them to the woodshed” in the 1984 SEC Tourney.

by jdogblue on Jan 24, 2012 6:27 PM EST reply actions