Craving Hoops? UK Network to Air Classic Games

The novel coronavirus pandemic has shut down most gatherings of any kind, especially those with large crowds, like the NCAA basketball tournament. For fans who might want to hear play-by-play action, the UK Basketball Network is broadcasting six classic games.

All six broadcasts can be heard on 94.3 FM and AM 570 WKYX in Paducah, 95.5 FM and AM 1320 WNGO in Mayfield, and WiLLiE 102.1 in Mayfield. 

The games will be played on dates similar to typical games during March Madness - two this weekend, two next weekend, and two on the first weekend in April. The first four games will have a 30-minute pregame show, and the final two games will have a 60-minute pregame.

Thursday, March 19  at 6 pm: Hear freshman Anthony Davis and the Wildcats play the Louisville Cardinals in the 2012 Final Four. Kentucky was a #1 seed and Louisville was a #4 seed as they fought for a spot in the title game.

Saturday, March 21 at 1 pm: Brandon Knight leads Kentucky as they face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in a Sweet 16 match-up from 2011. John Calipari was in just his 2nd season coaching the 29-9 Wildcats. 

Friday, March 27 at 6 pm: The oldest broadcast in the set - hear Cawood Ledford's call of the 1978 National Championship game, when Jack Givens and the Wildcats played the Duke Blue Devils. Joe B. Hall was head coach for the 'Cats, who were 30-2 that year.

Sunday, March 29 at 1 pm: Ralph Hacker has the call as Kentucky, a #1 seed coached by Rick Pitino, faces the Syracuse Orangemen, a #2 seed, in the 1996 NCAA Championship game in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Cats were 34-2 and were called "The Untouchables."

Saturday, April 4 at 1 pm: The Wildcats played for their 7th national championship in San Antonio, Texas on March 30, 1998. Tubby Smith coached the team, led by senior guard Jeff Sheppard, as they took on the University of Utah. 

Monday, April 6 at 6 pm: In the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, Calipari led his 2012 team against the Kansas Jayhawks in the National Championship game. Sophomore Doron Lamb had his moment in the spotlight as Kentucky played for its 8th title. Tom Leach has the call.