It's been a year in the making while we waited to host The University of Kentucky and get our revenge. It had been a long week of lottery, camping, and trying to contain our excitement for one of the most exciting games of the season. There was nothing more rewarding than seeing your fellow fans and players with the biggest smiles on their faces.
1. Getting the chills when 16,300 people were cheering and jumping in unison.
It's one of the best sights in a college arena and something most people won't get to experience in their lifetime. Allen Fieldhouse is the best home court advantage in the NCAA, and it never gets old!
2. "I'm glad Bill laughed at Perry's free throw."
The first free throw of the game was not pretty! We all turned to see how Bill was going to react, and luckily, he was laughing, not angry.
3. "Why are you sitting during timeouts?!"
There was too much excitement to be sitting down! We had to keep the momentum going, and sitting down didn't help!
4. "These refs are going to blow it for us."
Let's not talk about this...
5. Both your heart and time stopped when Mason almost made the half court shot.
Nearing the end of regulation time, Mason puts up a half court shot that we all thought was going in. It seemed like an hour from when the ball left his fingertips to when it hit the rim.
6. Being on the verge of tears when KU was presented the original rules of basketball.
Not only was it amazing to be at the KU vs. UK basketball game, but those of us who attended got to witness one of the greatest moments in KU basketball history. James Naismith's official rules of basketball were presented to KU and brought back to where they belong.
7. You thought you were going to pass out.
The unbelievable amount of cheering, jumping, and sweating was a perfect equation for passing out. Luckily, most of us stayed upright!
8. "We may actually not walk away with this win."
We all had this thought at one point, even though we hate to admit it.
9. "BUT THIS IS ALLEN FIELDHOUSE... WE CAN'T LOSE!"
Let's be honest, we have an amazing home court advantage, and we don't lose here! We can't lose here!
10. Absolute and utter happiness when the clock hit 0:00 and we were the champions!
One of the greatest, most hyped-up rivalries had come to Lawrence. We had been waiting for this moment forever. Our whole Saturday was centered around this amazing game... AND WE WON! The feeling of having that win under our belts and being the champions of an outstanding game was a feeling we will hold onto forever.
