In 1998, the Kentucky Wildcats faced long time rival Duke in the NCAA Tournament Regional Finals. It was the first year of the Coach Tubby Smith era and a year that no one initially expected to bring any success. Kentucky had early season losses to Arizona and Louisville and then two late season conference losses in February.
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The 5th ranked Wildcats against the 3rd ranked Blue Devils; a match-up that Kentucky fans love and fear. In the first half, the Cats were outplayed by a hot Duke team and left the court with a 10 point deficit, 49-39. It seemed that it might be the end of the road for the Cats, but they REFUSED TO LOSE. They out and played the second 20 minutes with purposes and never let the game get out of reach. With less than 9 minutes to play, the lead was down to single digits and the Cats kept clawing.
With 2:15 left in the game, Cameron Mills hit a 3-pointer to give Kentucky their first lead. Over the next moments, Duke regained the lead and then Scott Padgett tied the game at 81 with a free throw. Duke missed on their next possession and then left Padgett open for a 3-point shot to give Kentucky an 84-81 lead. Duke missed their next shot and fouled Wayne Turner who made 1 of 2 at the line putting UK up 85-81. The Blue Devils weren’t done yet and hit a final 3-pointer to pull within 1 with 8 seconds left. They fouled Allen Edwards who too hit only 1 of 2 giving Kentucky a 2 point advantage at 86-84, but Duke had 4 seconds to tie or win with a 3-pointer. Their final shot was a bust and Kentucky held on for the win and a spot in the 1998 Final Four.
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