Updated: 10:12 PM ET Tue, Nov. 03, 2009
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No. 8: Arizona 84, Kentucky 79 (OT)

Mark Story recounts UK's 25 most memorable basketball games since the 1983-84 season.

Herald-Leader Sports Columnist Mark Story has looked back at Kentucky basketball games since the 1983-84 season, when the Herald-Leader began its electronic archive, and has selected his top 25 most memorable games. One game will be revealed each day until Nov. 11. Check each day to see where your favorite game was ranked.

No. 8: Arizona 84, Kentucky 79 (OT) (NCAA Tournament championship game: March 31, 1997 in RCA Dome, Indianapolis)

Mark Story's comment: With UK vying for a national title repeat, Anthony Epps hit a double-clutch three-pointer to get the Cats into overtime. In the extra period, Arizona got ahead and stayed ahead by hitting 10 of 14 free throws. No one knew it then, but it was Rick Pitino’s final game as Kentucky head coach.

Excerpt from the original game story: In a somber yet quietly proud UK locker room, point guard Anthony Epps said it would be difficult to fully appreciate the game until more time passed.

"When I get home, when I get back to my family, when they show the greatest games, this one will be one of them," he said.

Read the original game story.

Mark's previous picks

No. 25: Kentucky 76, Louisville 75

No. 24: Gardner-Webb 84, Kentucky 68

No. 23: Kentucky 74, Houston 67

No. 22: Louisville 65, Kentucky 56

No. 21: Kentucky 60, Louisville 58

No. 20: Kansas 150, Kentucky 95

No. 19: Kentucky 51, Auburn 49

No. 18: Kentucky 70, Florida 55

No. 17: Kentucky 79, North Carolina 59

No. 16: Kentucky 85, Louisville 51

No. 15: Kentucky 90, Tennessee 72

No. 14: Michigan State 94, Kentucky 88 (2OT)

No. 13: Kentucky 95, Arkansas 93 (OT)

No. 12: Marquette 83, Kentucky 69

No. 11: Kentucky 82, Louisville 62

No. 10: Michigan 81, Kentucky 78 (OT)

No. 9: Kentucky 81, Massachusetts 74


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