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Tonight on ESPN at 9:00 PM, the Kentucky Wildcats will be in LA to take on the UCLA Bruins in their first true road test of the season. Pauley Pavilion is home to one of the most storied programs in NCAA history. But lately, the Bruins have been rather pedestrian and this season's 4-3 record is indicative of how much they have struggled recently.
It is uncertain whether or not Tyler Ulis will play tonight, but he did practice yesterday. It cannot be understated how important he is to this team, and we all saw how evident that was against Illinois State. But at the same time, a potential out-of-conference road loss to a power-five team is a small sacrifice for the health of Kentucky's best player going forward.
And now... The Quickies!
Tweet of the Day
Okafor is everything you guys wanted Boogie Cousins to be. Shocking since Okafor coached by the perceived god-like figure in K.
— Andy Sweeney (@TheOnlySweeney) December 2, 2015
Not a Calipari thing (probably), but Cousins labeled by national media as thug/bad guy. Haven't seen that Okafor reference yet.
— Andy Sweeney (@TheOnlySweeney) December 2, 2015
Kentucky Basketball
The LA Times says that at least one of the teams playing tonight is still a first-class program. For all of their NCAA championships, Final Fours, historic players and coaches, UCLA fans are left wondering "What have you done for me lately?"
Jerry Tipton takes a look at Kentucky's trip to historic Pauley Pavilion. Pauley Pavilion hasn't been much of a homecourt advantage for the Bruins, but tonight will be an exception.
#GoldOut Kentucky! Fans in attendance will receive a @uclambb gold T courtesy of @geico! https://t.co/sk69MQyuSx pic.twitter.com/ScqQwA0DVO
— UCLA Athletics (@UCLAAthletics) December 1, 2015
I mean, it's a Gold Out! That's how big it is!
Tyler Ulis was nominated for the Naismith Awards as well as some of his teammates. I believe Tyler will be in the running for the entire season.
The Bruins are 0-5 facing their last five ranked opponents and Steve Alford has not defeated a top 25 team as UCLA's head coach. And no, they haven't forgot about the 73-44 beatdown from las season. A big chance for redemption and revenge tonight. Don't think they are taking this game lightly.
If you didn't catch John Calipari on Coline Cowherd, check it out. He again blasted Cowherd for his ridiculous John Wall comments and talked about some of the guys he has actually missed in recruiting.
Kentucky Football
Matt Jones talks about the future of Kentucky football with WKYT.
Other Kentucky Sports
The #11 UK Hoops team remains undefeated thanks to Janee Thompson leading the Wildcats with 21 points over NKU on the road. Thompson fought through an ailment to be the game's leading scorer. Matthew Mitchell is doing a helluva job managing all of the transfers.
The female volleyball team opens the NCAA tournament against American University in Columbus, Ohio on Friday.Last season they were knocked out of the second round by Michigan State and are looking to improve this time around.
Sports Around the World and Country
The Louisville Cardinals went down to the Michigan State Spartans last night in East Lansing 71-67.The Cards vaulted out to a 13 point lead in the first half behind fifth-year transfers Damion Lee and Trey Lewis. But in the second half, Player of the Year Candidate Denzel Valentine and sharpshooter Brent Forbes brought Sparty back to preserve their perfect record.
UofL assistant coach Ralph Willard talking to the media after the game. No Pitino. pic.twitter.com/JddCT5pGdp
— John Lewis WDRB (@JohnWDRB) December 3, 2015
And of course, the snake wouldn't come out of his hole to answer questions. He only does post game pressers at UofL where the questions are vetted. What a chump.
North Florida had an early lead against LSU until Ben Simmons went absolutely berzerk. Simmons dropped 43 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, five steals, and two blocked shots to preserve an 119-108 win. Here's the thing, Simmons is THAT good; it sucks that he is stuck at LSU with Johnn Jones.
The Duke Bluedevils completely destroyed the Indiana Hoosiers last night 97-74 in Cameron Stadium. Brandon Ingram broke out with 24 points, 18 in the first half. That 11 point win is looking better and better. And Tom Crean Forever!
Coach K says Jahlil Okafor is a good kid. Ok, bro.
A South African appeals court has found Oscar Pistorious guilty of murder. The former "Blade Runner" shot his girlfriend dead in his home in 2013.
It appears as if Mark Richt is the new head coach for the Miami Hurricanes, it's just a matter of time before the announcement is made. Richt played QB for the 'Canes so this looks like the perfect match.
After in embarrassing showing in a loss to Philadelphia, Kobe Bryant bounced back in a big way by scoring 31 to defeat John Wall and the Washington Wizards. Former 'Cat Julius Randle had a great game with 15 points and 19 rebounds while Wall had 34 points and 11 assists in the loss.
Random Quickies
I haven't seen Creed yet, but everything I am hearing suggests that it's the best Rocky film since the original. I will check it out after I see Star Wars over the Holiday break.
Rolling Stone gives us their top 25 TV series of 2015. Game of Thrones at 20? No. But I did enjoy The Leftovers (17), Better Call Saul (9), Fargo (7, like GoT,it needs to be higher), Mad Men (2), and Mr. Robot (1).