Kentucky’s 94-78 win over Oklahoma wasn’t just another tally in the win column - it was a night packed with energy, personality, and more than a few memorable moments both on and off the court. From the Wildcats’ seventh win in eight games to the quirks of the ESPN2 broadcast, this one had it all.
Let’s start with the man behind the mic: Tom Hart. Back on the call for a Kentucky game for the first time since the Missouri loss in early January, Hart brought his usual blend of insight and entertainment - and for those tuned into the Kentucky sports scene, a whole lot of inside jokes and shoutouts.
Right from the jump, Hart had fans leaning in. He opened the broadcast with a nod to Kentucky’s passionate base - and if you blinked, you might’ve missed a clever reference to a Valentine’s Day ad that’s become a cult favorite among local fans. Unfortunately, a quick ESPN camera cut may have clipped the full line, but the intent was clear: Hart was in midseason form.
As the game unfolded, Hart peppered the broadcast with playful nods to familiar personalities from Kentucky’s sports radio world. While breaking down the Wildcats’ up-and-down season, he quipped that if the team had a digital business card, “it would probably glitch every time you tried to scan it.” A clever metaphor for a team still finding its full identity - and a wink to a certain radio host’s Super Bowl networking plans.
Then came the fashion references - specifically, reversible quarter zips. Yes, you read that right.
Hart compared Kentucky’s ability to flip the switch mid-game to the versatility of a certain someone’s wardrobe strategy. “Keep it fresh,” he said.
And honestly, it fit.
Not all the jokes were about clothing, though. When the conversation turned to Kentucky’s denim uniforms and the rumored denim suit of head coach Mark Pope, Hart made sure to draw a line: “At least they’re not Speedo uniforms.” The crowd - and likely a few viewers at home - probably had a good laugh at that one.
Hart also found time to drop a timely line about misinformation, noting, “I’ll believe it on TV before I believe it on Facebook.” That one hit home, especially for fans who’ve been following recent discussions about AI-generated content.
And when it came to local issues, Hart didn’t shy away. After a rebound by Kiril Elantontsev, he joked that the big man might’ve been better used helping clear Lexington’s icy roads - a nod to the city’s recent struggles with winter weather.
It wasn’t the only time road conditions came up, either. Hart clearly did his homework - or at least listened to the local chatter.
Late in the game, after a tough, banked jumper from Denzel Aberdeen, Hart dropped a final shoutout: “Are you serious!” It was the kind of line that works both as a reaction to a clutch shot and as a familiar catchphrase for fans in the know.
Even Hart’s social media game was on point during the broadcast, chiming in with a reference to a certain aspiring sports media personality’s career goals. It was the kind of layered, fan-friendly performance that makes Hart a favorite in Big Blue Nation.
But the fun didn’t stop with the broadcast. Around the edges of the game, there were plenty of off-court storylines worth watching.
New looks, new energy
Oklahoma’s Otega Oweh debuted a fresh set of cornrows that got plenty of airtime, but Kentucky’s Jaland Lowe was also sporting a new look - having chopped off his signature ponytail.
Lowe showed off the haircut on Instagram pregame, pairing it with a shoulder brace that made its own statement. New shoulder, new style - and maybe, a new level of confidence.
Kam Williams on the mend
Kam Williams was back in Lexington post-surgery, boot on his foot, scooter underfoot, and still managing to be part of the team’s energy.
Denzel Aberdeen gave him a hard time in good fun, and Williams didn’t let the injury keep him from connecting with fans. Sometimes, the scooter gets you more street cred than a dunk.
Football meets basketball
The Wildcats got a boost from the football side too, with DB Ty Bryant and TE Willie Rodriguez in the house.
The two returning standouts took in the game, got some love on the jumbotron, and even joined the UK pregame radio show. It’s always a good sign when the programs support each other - and these two made their presence felt.
Brandon Garrison’s big night - and a special guest
Brandon Garrison had himself a game, dropping a season-high 20 points.
But the real star of the postgame might’ve been his son, Akarii. The little guy joined his dad courtside after the buzzer, sat on his lap during the postgame radio interview with Goose Givens, and even played with his own Kentucky basketball during media availability.
It was a wholesome moment that reminded everyone what it’s all about.
Coach Pope’s postgame hustle
Mark Pope didn’t waste any time after the final horn.
He was out of Rupp in a hurry to pick up his daughter Avery from the airport, fresh off a 15-month service mission. In his rush, he threw on a UK toboggan - backwards.
The resulting photo with assistant coach Jason Hart was a perfect cap to a night full of personality.
All in all, it was one of those nights where the basketball was only part of the story. Kentucky handled business on the floor, sure - but the energy, the characters, and the moments around the game made it something more. And if the Wildcats can bring that same fire against Tennessee on Saturday, we might be in for another one to remember.