2014–15 Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team

2014–15 season of University of Kentucky men's basketball team March 2026 August 2023 2014–15 Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Kentucky Wildcats 2005 logo.svg Southeastern Conference SEC 3 1 38–1 18–0 John Calipari 6th John Robic 6th Kenny Payne 5th Barry Rohrssen 1st Rupp Arena SEC tournament championsSEC regular season champions NCAA tournament Final Four The 2014–15 Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team represented the University of Kentucky in the 2014–15 college basketball season. The team played its home games in Lexington, Kentucky, United States for the 39th consecutive season at Rupp Arena, with a capacity of 23,500. The team was led by sixth-year head coach John Calipari. The team was a National semifinalist in the NCAA tournament, competed in the school's 17th Final Four. It was Calipari's fourth Final Four appearance at Kentucky. The team finished the regular season with a perfect 31–0 record, the best start in school history. For six years, they had been the last unbeaten team to enter the NCAA tournament until Gonzaga in 2021.https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/02/17/kentucky-wildcats-tennessee-best-start-school-history Kentucky off to best start in school history after win over Tennessee 2015-02-17 2015-04-06 Sports Illustrated Their 38 wins is tied with the 2012 Kentucky team for the most in men's Division I history.http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2015/04/05/short-perfection-kentucky-basketball-team-remembered-now/25333799/ How should the 38-1 Wildcats be remembered? 2015-04-05 2015-04-06 Courier-Journal Tucker, Kyle Their 38–1 record (.974 winning percentage) is the best by a team that did not finish undefeated. After finishing as the National Runner-up in the 2014 NCAA tournament, the expectations for this team were high. The team, however, would be without some of its top players from the 2013–14 team including starting power forward Julius Randlehttps://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2014/04/22/kentuckys-julius-randle-declares-for-the-nba-draft/8005193/ Kentucky's Julius Randle declares for the NBA draft 2015-03-25 2014-04-22 USA Today Tucker, Kylehttps://www.si.com/nba/point-forward/2014/04/22/julius-randle-declares-draft-kentucky Kentucky's Julius Randle declares for the NBA draft 2015-03-25 2014-04-22 Sports Illustrated Golliver, Ben and starting small forward James Young,http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2014/04/17/kentuckys-james-young-declares-nba-draft/7831807/ Kentucky's James Young declares for NBA draft 2015-03-25 2014-04-17 Courier-Journal Tucker, Kylehttps://www.espn.com/nba/draft2014/story/_/id/10797286/james-young-kentucky-wildcats-declares-nba-draft James Young declares for draft 2015-03-25 2014-04-18 ESPN Goodman, Jeff who were first-round draft choices in the 2014 NBA draft. Returning were starting point guard Andrew Harrison,https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10838221/freshman-twins-aaron-harrison-andrew-harrison-stay-kentucky-wildcats Harrison twins staying at Kentucky 2015-04-06 2014-04-25 ESPN Katz, Andy starting shooting guard Aaron Harrison, and starting center Dakari Johnson.http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24537345/center-dakari-johnson-returning-to-kentucky-for-sophomore-season Center Dakari Johnson returning to Kentucky for sophomore season 2015-04-06 2014-04-23 CBSSports.com Borzello, Jeff Former McDonald's All-Americans Marcus Leehttps://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2014/04/18/marcus-lee-returns-kentucky-wildcats/7879227/ Marcus Lee to return to Kentucky for sophomore season 2015-04-06 2014-04-18 USA Today Tucker, Kyle and Alex Poythresshttp://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2014/04/23/alex-poythress-returning-kentucky-basketball-team/8049205/ Alex Poythress returning to Kentucky basketball team 2015-04-06 2014-04-23 Courier-Journal Tucker, Kyle also returned to school. Willie Cauley-Stein opted to return to school after his leg injury in the 2014 NCAA tournament.https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2014/04/14/willie-cauley-stein-kentucky-wildcats-nba-draft/7717881/ Willie Cauley-Stein to return to Kentucky for junior season 2015-04-06 2014-04-14 USA Today Tucker, Kyle John Calipari once again produced another top recruiting class that was highlighted by Karl-Anthony Towns. The Wildcats were led by 2015 Consensus All-Americans Cauley-Stein and Towns. Departures left horizontal 2014–15 Kentucky departures 200 Julius-Randle.jpg Julius Randle entered the NBA draft James-Young-2.jpg James Young entered the NBA draft Name Number Pos. Height Weight Year Hometown Notes Jon Hood 1 4 Guard 79 6'7" 215 4 Senior Madisonville, Kentucky Graduated Jarrod Polson 3 Guard 74 6'2" 182 4 Senior Wilmore, Kentucky Graduated Julius Randle 30 Forward 81 6'9" 250 1 Freshman Dallas, Texas Entered 2014 NBA draft James Young basketball 1 Forward 79 6'7" 215 1 Freshman Rochester Hills, Michigan Entered 2014 NBA Draft 2014–15 newcomers left horizontal Kentucky recruits at the 2014 McDonald's All-American Boys Game 155 20140402 MCDAAG Devin Booker.JPG Devin Booker 20140402 MCDAAG Trey Lyles rebound (1).JPG Trey Lyles 20140402 MCDAAG Karl Towns rebound.JPG Karl-Anthony Towns 20140402 MCDAAG Tyler Ulis pass.JPG Tyler Ulis In November, Kentucky signed another top recruiting class. John Calipari announced four players for his 2014 class during the early signing period on November 14. Trey Lyles (Indianapolis), Karl-Anthony Towns (Metuchen, N.J.), Devin Booker (Grand Rapids, Mich.) and Tyler Ulis (Chicago Heights, Ill.) all signed national letters of intent to play basketball at the University of Kentucky, starting in the 2014–15 season.http://www.ukathletics.com/blog/2013/11/never-count-john-calipari-out.html UK, Calipari sign four for 2014 2015-03-17 2013-11-14 University of Kentucky April 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402132117/http://www.ukathletics.com/blog/2013/11/never-count-john-calipari-out.html dead Karl-Anthony Towns was the first commitment for the class when he verbally committed on December 4, 2012.https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/8708701/karl-towns-jr-gives-oral-commitment-kentucky-reclassified-junior Karl Towns Jr. commits to Kentucky 2015-03-17 2012-12-04 ESPN He was named Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2014.http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2014/07/16/kentucky-basketballs-karl-anthony-towns-wins-gatorade-player-year/12727841/ UK's Towns named Gatorade Athlete of the Year 2015-03-17 2014-07-16 Courier-Journal He played for the Dominican Republic National Team in 2012 and 2013 which were coached by John Calipari and Kentucky assistant, Orlando Antigua.https://www.espn.com/high-school/boys-basketball/story/_/id/8001784/new-jersey-native-karl-towns-jr-16-play-dominican-republic-olympic-qualifying Towns Jr. going global 2015-03-17 2012-06-18 ESPN He was ranked as No. 6 overall by ESPN and No. 11 by Rivals and Scout. Tyler Ulis was the second commitment in the class when he verbally committed on September 13, 2013.http://www.kentucky.com/2013/09/13/2820594/chicago-point-guard-ulis-commits.html Chicago point guard Ulis commits to Kentucky 2015-03-17 2013-09-13 Lexington Herald-Leader Roberts, Ben He committed to Kentucky briefly after he was offered a scholarship. Kentucky had just missed on their primary target, Emmanuel Mudiay, when he committed to SMU on August 24, 2013.https://www.espn.com/dallas/story/_/id/9597797/emmanuel-mudiay-no-2-point-guard-commits-smu-mustangs Emmanuel Mudiay commits to SMU 2015-03-17 2013-08-24 ESPN Ulis, however, quickly rose in the recruiting rankings, finishing No. 20 overall by Scout, No. 21 overall by Rivals, and No. 25 overall by ESPN. He chose Kentucky over Iowa, Michigan State, and Southern Cal. Devin Booker was the third commitment in the class when he verbally committed on October 31, 2013.https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/9908976/devin-booker-no-18-overall-prospect-commits-kentucky-wildcats Devin Booker commits to Kentucky 2015-03-17 2013-10-31 ESPN He was ranked as the No. 18 overall by ESPN and No. 29 overall by Scout and Rivals. As a junior, he was named by Gatorade as the top basketball player in Mississippi.http://www.gatorade.com/poy/assets/writable/14581/2012-13_BK_DBooker.pdf Devin Booker named Player of the Year 2015-03-17 2013-03-08 Gatorade He is the son of the former Missouri and All-American great Melvin Booker. He chose Kentucky over his Dad's alma mater and Michigan. Trey Lyles was the final commitment in the class when he verbally committed on November 5, 2013.https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/9930947/trey-lyles-commits-kentucky-wildcats Trey Lyles commits to Kentucky 2015-03-17 2013-11-05 ESPN After his senior season, he was named Indiana Mr. Basketball, where he led his high school to a state championship.http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2014/04/08/trey-lyles-wins-indystar-mr-basketball-award/7460937/ Tech's Trey Lyles wins IndyStar Mr. Basketball award 2015-03-17 2014-04-08 Indianapolis Star Neddenriep, Kyle He committed to Kentucky over rivals Indiana and Louisville. He was rated as the No. 6 overall player by ESPN, the No. 11 overall by Scout, and the No. 13 overall by Rivals. no no 2014 Devin Booker G Grand Rapids, Michigan Moss Point 6 6 185 2013-10-31 4 4 5 5 Trey Lyles F IndianapolisIndianapolis, Indiana Arsenal Tech 6 10 235 2013-11-05 5 5 5 5 Karl-Anthony Towns C Metuchen, New Jersey St. Joseph 6 11 235 2012-12-04 5 5 5 5 Tyler Ulis G ChicagoChicago, Illinois Marian Catholic 5 8 150 2013-09-13 5 5 5 5 2014 Kentucky 2014 Basketball Commitments 2014 Kentucky Basketball Commits ESPN kentucky 48 96 2012-12-04 yes Pre-season Roster The first player to make known his decision was Cauley-Stein, who decided to return to school on April 14. On April 17 Young declared himself eligible for the 2014 NBA draft. Shortly after Young's announcement, Lee announced that he would return for his sophomore season on April 18. On April 22 Randle also declared himself eligible for the draft. Following Randle's announcement, on April 23 Johnson and Poythress announced they were returning to school. The Harrison twins soon after announced that they were returning for their sophomore seasons on April 25. Off-season rankings Immediately following the 2014 NCAA tournament, the earliest predictions started being made by the media despite draft status uncertainty. While speculation about Randle and Young's returns remained speculation, projections abounded: 1 CBS Sports,http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24518398/cbssportscom-2014-15-ridiculously-early-preseason-top-25-and-one CBSSports.com 2014-15 Ridiculously Early Preseason Top 25 (and one) 2014-04-09 2014-04-07 CBS Sports Parrish, Gary 3 by ESPN,https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10742731/arizona-wildcats-duke-blue-devils-headline-early-top-25-2014-15-men-college-basketball-season Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2014-15 2014-04-09 2014-04-07 ESPN Brennan, Eamonn 5 by NBC Sports,http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/08/college-basketball-talks-way-too-early-preseason-top-25/ College Basketball Talk's Way-Too-Early Preseason Top 25 2014-04-09 2014-04-08 NBC Sports Dauster, Rob 5 by USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2014/04/08/which-college-basketball-teams-belong-in-early-2014-15-top-25/7306687/ Which teams belong in early 2014–15 top 25? 2014-04-09 2014-04-08 USA Today Gleeson, Scott 5 by Yahoo! Sports,https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/a-way-too-early-look-at-college-basketball-s-best-teams-for-the-2014-15-season-140330734.html A way-too-early look at college basketball's best teams for the 2014–15 season 2014-04-09 2014-04-08 Yahoo! Sports Eisenberg, Jeff and 6 by Bleacher Report.https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2020741-preseason-ncaa-basketball-rankings-2014-15-super-early-top-25-experts-poll Preseason NCAA Basketball Rankings 2014-15: Super-Early Top 25 Experts' Poll 2014-04-09 2014-04-07 Bleacher Report Moore, C. J. Following the April 27 NBA draft entry deadline, revised predictions had Kentucky : 1 by Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, ESPN, NBC Sports,https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2047008-preseason-ncaa-basketball-rankings-2014-15-br-experts-updated-top-25-poll Preseason NCAA Basketball Rankings 2014-15: B/R Experts' Updated Top 25 Poll 2014-05-01 2014-05-01 Bleacher Report Moore, C. J.http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24543417/ncaa-basketball-2014-15-preseason-top-25-and-one-national-rankings NCAA Basketball: 2014-15 Preseason Top 25 (and one) national rankings 2014-04-28 2014-04-28 CBS Sports Parrish, Garyhttps://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/98690/revised-top-25-post-deadline-edition Revised top 25: Post-deadline edition 2014-04-28 2014-04-28 ESPN Brennan, Eamonnhttp://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/28/college-basketball-talks-post-early-entry-2014-2015-preseason-top-25/ College Basketball Talk's Post-Early Entry 2014-2015 Preseason Top 25 2014-04-28 2014-04-28 NBC Sports Dauster, Rob and 2 by USA Today.https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2014/04/28/which-college-basketball-teams-belong-in-the-early-top-25/8015537/ College basketball's super early 2014-15 preseason top 25 revisited 2014-04-29 2014-04-28 USA Today Auerbach, Nicole Along with the projected ranking, the Las Vegas 2015 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament betting lines opened with Kentucky as a 5/1 favorite on April 29.https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/oddsmaker-sets-kentucky--duke-and-wisconsin-as-2014-15-title-favorites-155033643.html Oddsmaker sets Kentucky, Duke and Wisconsin as 2014-15 title favorites 2014-05-01 2014-04-29 Yahoo! Sports Eisenberg, Jeff Accolades Karl-Anthony Towns, among several Wildcats, was seen by prognosticators as an All-American when the preseason teams were named. USA Today selected him as a First Team All-American.https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2014/11/12/usa-today-sports-2014-15-college-basketball-all-american-team/18859879/ USA TODAY Sports' 2014-15 preseason college basketball All-American team 2014-11-13 2014-11-12 USA Today The Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook selected Towns as a Second Team All-American.http://chrisdortch.info/blue-ribbon-announces-complete-all-america-teams-player-of-year-and-newcomer-of-year/ Blue Ribbon announces complete All-America teams, player of year and newcomer of year 2014-12-10 2014-09-22 Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook Dortch, Chris https://web.archive.org/web/20141218213848/http://chrisdortch.info/blue-ribbon-announces-complete-all-america-teams-player-of-year-and-newcomer-of-year/ 2014-12-18 dead Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, and NBC Sports selected Towns as a Third Team All-American.https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2265526-brs-2014-15-preaseason-college-basketball-all-american-picks B/R's 2014–15 Preseason College Basketball All-American Picks 2014-12-10 2014-11-13 Bleacher Report Moore, C. J.http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/03/college-basketball-talks-2014-2015-preseason-all-american-teams/ https://web.archive.org/web/20141104003646/http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/03/college-basketball-talks-2014-2015-preseason-all-american-teams/ dead November 4, 2014 College Basketball Talk's 2014–2015 Preseason All-American Teams 2014-11-05 2014-11-03 NBC Sports Dauster, Robhttp://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24741626/cbssportscom-2014-15-preseason-all-america-basketball-teams CBSSports.com 2014-15 Preseason All-America basketball teams 2014-10-23 2014-10-07 CBS Sports Parrish, Gary 2014-10-23 https://web.archive.org/web/20141023214649/http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24741626/cbssportscom-2014-15-preseason-all-america-basketball-teams dead Aaron Harrison was selected by Blue Ribbon and Sports Illustrated as a Second Team All-American.https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/11/12/si-all-america-team-marcus-paige-jahlil-okafor Marcus Paige, Jahlil Okafor lead SI's preseason All-America team 2014-11-13 2014-11-12 Sports Illustrated Andrew Harrison was selected by Athlon Sports as a Second Team All-American.http://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/athlon-sports-2014-15-college-basketball-all-america-team Athlon Sports' 2014-15 College Basketball All-America Team 2014-12-10 2014-11-10 Athlon Sports Fox, David 2014-12-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20141210024448/http://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/athlon-sports-2014-15-college-basketball-all-america-team dead Willie Cauley-Stein was selected as a Third Team All-American by Blue Ribbon. The Southeastern Conference preseason media poll was released at the SEC Media Days in October, it predicted that Kentucky would win the championship and selected Aaron Harrison as its Player of the Year.http://www.secsports.com/article/11744313/kentucky-picked-2015-champion Media picks Kentucky to win 2015 SEC Men's Basketball Championship 2015-03-16 2014-10-22 Southeastern Conferencehttp://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article3227700.html Kentucky first in preseason SEC poll 2015-03-16 2014-10-22 Kansas City Star Palmer, Tod Aaron Harrison was also named to the All-SEC First Team while Cauley-Stein, Andrew Harrison, Poythress and Towns were named to the All-SEC Second Team. USA Today announced its initial coaches poll on October 18 with Kentucky ranked as No. 1 in the country.https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2014/10/16/college-basketball-coaches-poll-main-kentucky-arizona-duke-wisconsin-kansas/17302721/ Kentucky is No. 1 in preseason USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll 2015-03-16 2014-10-16 USA Today Gleeson, Scott The Associated Press announced on October 31 that Kentucky was ranked No. 1 to start the season in its initial poll of the season.https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2014/10/31/kentucky-earns-no-1-nod-in-ap-preseason-poll/18240753/ UK Ranked No. 1 in Associated Press Preseason Top 25 2015-03-16 2014-10-31 USA Today Events Prior to the regular season Kentucky played in a six-game series in the Bahamas from August 10 through August 17 called the Big Blue Bahamas Tour.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/061314aaa.html Men's Basketball to Take 'Big Blue Bahamas' Tour 2015-04-10 2014-06-13 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150415233210/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/061314aaa.html 2015-04-15 The three opponents in the series consisted of international clubs and teams from the Dominican Republic, France, and Puerto Rico. Games were played at Kendal G. L. Isaacs National Gymnasium in Nassau, Bahamas. The university spent a total of $792,845.68 on the trip which included flights, lodging, meals, and games.http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/columnists/himmelsbach/2015/01/15/kentucky-basketball-paid-several-hundred-thousand-dollars-face-national-teams-bahamas/21806935/ Kentucky's Bahamas trip came at hefty cost 2015-04-10 2015-01-15 Courier-Journal Himmelsbach, Adam Tickets for Big Blue Madness, Kentucky's version of Midnight Madness went on sale and sold out on September 20.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/092014aaa.html Madness Tickets SOLD OUT 2015-03-16 2014-09-20 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150415233329/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/092014aaa.html 2015-04-15 dead Big Blue Madness took place on October 18. The event debuted the team for the 2014–15 season. It included player introductions, a speech by Calipari, and a scrimmage.http://www.ukathletics.com/blog/2014/10/top-five-moments-from-big-blue-madness-2014.html Top five moments from Big Blue Madness 2014 2014-10-17 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com April 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150415235107/http://www.ukathletics.com/blog/2014/10/top-five-moments-from-big-blue-madness-2014.html dead The Blue-White scrimmage was the first live game for the team. It occurred at Rupp Arena on October 27. Andrew Harrison scored 19 points, added 18 and the Blue squad dominated the White 94–66.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/102714aab.html Blue-White Scrimmage Notes 2015-03-16 2013-10-29 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150415234951/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/102714aab.html 2015-04-15 dead Roster 2014 Kentucky Wildcats y yes Marcus Lee y 00 F 6 9 220 SO Antioch, California Deer Valley Devin Booker y 1 G 6 6 206 FR Grand Rapids, Michigan Moss Point Aaron Harrison y 2 G 6 6 212 SO Fort Bend, Texas Travis Tyler Ulis 3 y G 5 9 155 FR Lima, Ohio Marian Catholic Andrew Harrison y basketball 5 G 6 6 210 SO Fort Bend, Texas Travis Karl-Anthony Towns y 12 C 7 0 250 FR Piscataway, New Jersey St. Joseph Sam Malone 13 G 5 11 185 SR Scituate, Massachusetts Scituate Willie Cauley-Stein 15 F 7 0 240 JR Olathe, Kansas Olathe Northwest y Tod Lanter 21 G 6 2 190 SR Lexington, Kentucky Dunbar/Gulf Coast State CC Alex Poythress y 22 F 6 8 238 JR Clarksville, Tennessee Northeast y E. J. Floréal 24 G 6 4 200 SO Palo Alto, California Dunbar (Lexington, Kentucky) Dominique Hawkins 25 G 6 0 195 SO Richmond, Kentucky Madison Central Brian Long 32 G 5 9 155 SR Dumont, New Jersey River Dell Derek Willis y 35 F 6 9 216 SO Mount Washington, Kentucky Bullitt East Trey Lyles y 41 F 6 10 235 FR Regina, Saskatchewan Arsenal Tech Dakari Johnson y 44 C 7 0 255 SO Brooklyn, New York Montverde John Calipari (Clarion) John Robic (Denison) Kenny Payne (Louisville) Barry Rohrssen (St. Francis Brooklyn) Tony Barbee (UMass) Roster is subject to change as/if players transfer or leave the program for other reasons. Schedule November The season officially began on November 14 with an 85 to 45 victory over Grand Canyon in the first game of the Cawood Ledford Classic at Rupp Arena.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/111414aaa.html Kentucky Soars Over Grand Canyon to Open Season 2015-04-10 2014-11-14 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150707131452/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/111414aaa.html 2015-07-07 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400589702 Grand Canyon vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-04-10 2014-11-14 ESPN.com Willie Cauley-Stein added 12 points, Dakari Johnson had 13 rebounds and 10 points and Trey Lyles had 14 points. Two days later on November 16 Kentucky defeated Buffalo 71–52 in the second game of the Cawood Ledford Classic at Rupp Arena.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/111614aaa.html Lyles, Ulis Provide Second-Half Spark in 71-52 Win Over Buffalo 2015-04-10 2014-11-16 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150707132814/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/111614aaa.html 2015-07-07 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400587392 Buffalo vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-04-10 2014-11-14 ESPN.com Buffalo led by 5 at halftime, but Kentucky used a 9–0 run to start the second half to regain the lead. Two nights later Kentucky traveled to Indianapolis to face No. 5 Kansas in the annual Champions Classic. Kentucky defeated Kansas 72–40 which was Kansas' lowest number of points scored since 1962.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/111914aaa.html Kentucky's Defense Dominant in Defeat of No. 5 Kansas 2015-04-10 2014-11-18 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141121182820/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/111914aaa.html 2014-11-21https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400585685 Kansas vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-04-10 2014-11-18 ESPN.com Kentucky's defense was stifling as they limited Kansas to 19.6 percent from the field and blocked 11 of Kansas' shots. Three nights later Kentucky defeated Boston University 89 to 65 at Rupp Arena.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/112114aab.html Booker's Second-Half Surge Lifts No. 1 Kentucky Past Boston 2015-04-10 2014-11-21 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150529222123/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/112114aab.html 2015-05-29 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400587045 Boston U. vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-04-10 2014-11-21 ESPN.com Aaron Harrison scored 19 points, Devin Booker added 15, and top-ranked Kentucky shot 59 percent from the field. Two nights later Kentucky defeated Montana State 86–28 in the third game of the Cawood Ledford Classic at Rupp Arena.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/112314aaa.html Kentucky Overpowers Montana State 86-28 2015-04-10 2014-11-23 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150530015425/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/112314aaa.html 2015-05-30 deadhttp://espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=4005859055 https://archive.today/20150412005823/http://espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=4005859055 dead April 12, 2015 Montana State vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-04-10 2014-11-23 ESPN.com Kentucky opened the second half on a 26–0 run, and Montana State's 28 points is the fewest for a UK opponent since the shot clock era began in 1985–86. Two nights later Kentucky defeated UT-Arlington 92–44 in the final game of the Cawood Ledford Classic.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/112514aaa.html Defense, Balance Lead Kentucky to 92-44 Win Over UT Arlington 2015-04-10 2014-11-25 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150708090419/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/112514aaa.html 2015-07-08 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400595205 Texas-Arlington vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-04-10 2014-11-25 ESPN.com Kentucky won consecutive games by at least 48 points (58 points vs. Montana State and 48 points vs. UT Arlington) for the first time since 1954. After a five-day break Kentucky defeated Providence 58 to 38 at Rupp Arena.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/113014aaa.html Kentucky Uses Strong Second Half to Pull Away from Providence 2015-04-10 2014-11-30 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150530002257/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/113014aaa.html 2015-05-30 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400588349 Providence vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-04-10 2014-11-30 ESPN.com Kentucky finished November ranked No. 1 in the AP and USA Today polls and with a 7–0 record. December On December 5 Kentucky defeated No. 6 Texas 63–51 in a Big 12/SEC Challenge game at Rupp Arena.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/120514aab.html Cauley-Stein Does It All in 63-51 Win Over No. 6 Texas 2015-04-10 2014-12-05 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150530154157/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/120514aab.html 2015-05-30 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400585723 Texas vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-04-10 2014-12-05 ESPN.com The game was tied at halftime until Kentucky outscored the Longhorns 18 to 2 in the first 8:40 of the second half to make it 44–28. Cauley-Stein totaled a career-high 21 points and a season-high 12 rebounds, his first double-double of the season. Two nights later Kentucky defeated Eastern Kentucky 82–49 at Rupp Arena.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/120714aaa.html Kentucky Cruises Past Eastern Kentucky 82-49 2015-04-10 2014-12-07 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150530142518/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/120714aaa.html 2015-05-30 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400596339 Eastern Kentucky vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-04-10 2014-12-07 ESPN.com The only excitement from the game came late when Aaron Harrison made Kentucky's first 3-point basket with a few minutes remaining. Harrison's make extended Kentucky's 908 game streak of making at least one three-pointer. Eastern Kentucky coach Jeff Neubauer proclaimed after the game that his team was "...guarded by the best defensive team in the modern era of college basketball...".http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/120714aae.html Kentucky-Eastern Kentucky Postgame Quotes 2015-04-10 2014-12-07 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150530143933/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/120714aae.html 2015-05-30 dead Three nights later Kentucky defeated Columbia 56 to 46 at Rupp Arena.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/121014aaa.html Kentucky Rallies, Pulls Away from Columbia For 56-46 Win 2015-04-10 2014-12-10 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150530151051/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/121014aaa.html 2015-05-30 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400591241 Columbia vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-04-10 2014-12-10 ESPN.com Columbia opened the game with an 11 to 0 lead and did not surrender the lead until the second half. After the first four minutes Kentucky ended the game on a 56–35 run. Three days later Kentucky renewed its rivalry with North Carolina at Rupp Arena, defeating the Tar Heels 84–70.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/121314aaa.html Cauley-Stein Sparks Kentucky in 84-70 Win Over UNC 2015-04-10 2014-12-13 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150317063210/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/121314aaa.html 2015-03-17 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400587839 North Carolina vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-04-10 2014-12-13 ESPN.com Two days prior to the game Poythress suffered a knee injury that would force him to miss the remainder of the season.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/121214aaa.html Alex Poythress Out for the Season 2015-04-10 2014-12-12 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150218105148/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/121214aaa.html 2015-02-18 dead Players showed support for their injured teammate by wearing blue "Roar for 22" T-shirts during warmups. Lyles got his first career start in his absence and scored 9 points. After a week off Kentucky traveled to Chicago to play UCLA in the inaugural CBS Sports Classic. Kentucky defeated the Bruins in dominating fashion, 83–44.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/122014aaa.html Defense Dominant as Kentucky Beats UCLA, Moves to 12-0 2015-04-10 2014-12-20 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141225201951/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/122014aaa.html 2014-12-25https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400593228 UCLA vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-04-10 2014-12-20 ESPN.com The Wildcats were leading 24 to 0 before UCLA scored their first point with 12 minutes left in the first half. Kentucky led 41–7 at halftime. It was the lowest point total in a half for UCLA and the fewest by a Kentucky opponent since December 1943. After the UCLA game the team took a week off for the Holidays. Upon their return they traveled to the KFC Yum! Center for their first road test of the season against in-state rival No. 4 Louisville. Ulis had a career game, scoring career-best 14 points off the bench to defeat the Cards 58–50. This was Kentucky's seventh victory in eight games against Louisville with Calipari as head coach.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/122714aaa.html Cats Outlast Cards for 58-50 Victory 2015-06-20 2014-12-27 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150621015108/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/122714aaa.html 2015-06-21 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400587874 Kentucky vs Louisville boxscore 2015-06-20 2014-12-27 ESPN.com January Kentucky opened the SEC portion of their schedule on January 6 at home against Ole Miss. After looking dominant in November and December, the Cats were taken to the wire by the Rebels. UK needed overtime to outlast Ole Miss 89–86. Unfazed by trailing Kentucky 12 to 0 and 18 to 5, Ole Miss' Stefan Moody helped the Rebels regroup to mount runs of 10–0 and 7–0 to get within 23–22 before eventually taking a four-point lead with 7:01 left in the half. The Rebels led 38–36 at the break behind 50 percent shooting before Kentucky opened the second half with a spurt that put them by as many as six before Mississippi battled back. Wildcats guard Aaron Harrison thwarted the Rebels' quest by scoring 26 points, including two big free throws with 1:29 remaining in overtime to put Kentucky ahead to stay.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/010615aaa.html Kentucky Edges Ole Miss 89-86 in Overtime 2015-01-06 2015-01-06 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150110010805/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/010615aaa.html 2015-01-10 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597317 Ole Miss vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-01-06 2015-01-06 ESPN.com After the scare Ole Miss put into Kentucky, they rebounded on January 10 at Texas A&M behind Booker's 18 points to a 70–64 victory in double-overtime. The Aggies rallied in the final minutes to tie it in regulation. Lyles made two foul shots with six seconds left in the first overtime for Kentucky, and Texas A&M took its time before missing a long 3 at the buzzer. Down 66 to 63, Texas A&M's Kourtney Roberson made one of two free throws before a turnover by Lyles gave the Aggies the ball back with 26.9 seconds left. A&M's Danuel House missed a 3-pointer with 16 seconds left and Kentucky's Johnson made two free throws to seal the game.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/011015aaa.html Key Ulis Three Lifts UK Over Texas A&M in Double OT 2015-01-10 2015-01-10 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150111220019/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/011015aaa.html 2015-01-11 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597322 Kentucky vs Texas A&M boxscore 2015-01-10 2015-01-10 ESPN.com Kentucky returned home on January 13 to defeat Missouri 86 to 37. Aaron Harrison scored 16 points including five 3-pointers to lift Kentucky to their first SEC win in regulation. Cauley-Stein added 13 points and Towns 12 points with 10 rebounds as Kentucky shot 48 percent from the field. The Wildcats also held Missouri to a season-low 27 percent and outrebounded the Tigers 46 to 27 including 30 defensive boards. http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/011315aaa.html Defense Locks Down Missouri as Cats Cruise to 16-0 2015-01-12 2015-01-13 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150118035119/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/011315aaa.html 2015-01-18 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597329 Missouri vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-01-13 2015-01-13 ESPN.com On January 17 Kentucky traveled to Tuscaloosa to defeat Alabama 70–48. Kentucky used two big runs to take a 35 to 17 lead by halftime. Alabama trimmed the lead in half with a 13–4 run coming out of the locker room, when the Wildcats missed their first five shots. The rally was short-lived, and then it got worse for the Tide. The Wildcats reclaimed control with 10 straight points en route to a 16–2 run that featured two 3-pointers by Ulis, one by Booker and a powerful dunk by Cauley-Stein. Freshman Devin Booker scored 13 points and remained solid from the perimeter.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/011715aaa.html Booker, Balance Pace Cats to 70-48 Win at Alabama 2015-01-17 2015-01-17 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150121005147/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/011715aaa.html 2015-01-21 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597336 Kentucky vs Alabama boxscore 2015-01-17 2015-01-17 ESPN.com On January 20 Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt 65–57 at Rupp Arena. The Wildcats didn't lead by double digits until early in the second half, and that 45–33 advantage lasted briefly as the Commodores began answering from the perimeter to stay within reach. Five combined 3-pointers by Vanderbilt's Riley LaChance (16 points) and Matthew Fisher-Davis (13) helped Vanderbilt pull within 58–54 with 2:36 left. The Commodores never got closer as the Harrisons closed it out for the Wildcats.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/012015aaa.html Aaron Harrison's Big Second Half Leads Kentucky to 65-57 Win Over Vanderbilt 2015-01-20 2015-01-20 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150123235629/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/012015aaa.html 2015-01-23 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597343 Vanderbilt vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-01-20 2015-01-20 ESPN.com On January 24 Kentucky traveled to Columbia to defeat South Carolina 58–43. In the season prior, Kentucky lost 72–67 on this same floor only weeks before their run to the National Championship game. However, the Wildcats turned up the defense to make sure that didn't happen this time after South Carolina's Sindarius Thornwell hit a 3-pointer for a 24–23 South Carolina lead with 4:31 left that sent the fans into a frenzy. Ulis started the comeback for Kentucky with a steal and basket before Booker made two fouls shots and a dunk and the Wildcats were on their way. Booker scored seven points in Kentucky's 14 to 0 run that spanned both halves, closing the surge with a 3-pointer that put the Wildcats ahead 37–24 with 18:28 remaining.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/012415aaa.html Kentucky Defense Stifles South Carolina for 58-43 Win 2015-01-24 2015-01-24 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150127005612/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/012415aaa.html 2015-01-27 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597347 Kentucky vs South Carolina boxscore 2015-01-24 2015-01-24 ESPN.com On January 29 the Wildcats again traveled to Columbia, this time to defeat Missouri 69 to 53. The Tigers looked game for most of the first half. Milking the clock with crisp ball movement, Missouri was able to crack Kentucky's long and lean front line for easy baskets. Missouri's Keanau Post started it with a rim-rattling dunk a few minutes in, and a pair of dunks by Ryan Rosburg had the fans in Mizzou Arena on their feet. Another dunk by Jakeenan Gant late in the half allowed the Tigers to close within 32–25. The Wildcats struggled some more early in the second half, throwing up a series of ugly jumpers and missing a couple shots at the rim. Missouri struggled to take advantage, but did close within 38 to 32 on Clark's basket with 14:25 to go. Foul trouble began to set in, though, with Missouri's Namon Wright and Montaque Gill-Caesar each picking up their fourth with more than 15 minutes left in the game. The Wildcats, with more quality depth, were able to capitalize on their absences and put together a 10 to 2 run to gain control. The Harrison twins led the way. Aaron knocked down a jumper, and after Andrew did the same, he proceeded to the foul line on the next four trips down the floor. Wright fouled out with 8:52 to go. Gill-Caesar joined him less than a minute later. And by the time the Wildcats had hit those free throws, their lead had swelled to 56–36.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/012915aaa.html Harrisons Headline 69-53 Win at Missouri 2015-01-29 2015-01-29 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150201204713/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/012915aaa.html 2015-02-01 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597360 Kentucky vs Missouri boxscore 2015-01-29 2015-01-29 ESPN.com On January 30 Kentucky faced off against Alabama for the second time this season at Rupp Arena, defeating the Crimson Tide 70 to 55. Towns scored all 12 of his points in the first half to put Kentucky ahead. Cauley-Stein snapped out of a mini-slump with 12 points and four rebounds, Booker added 11 points with three 3-pointers and Aaron Harrison had 10. Kentucky quickly rolled to a double-digit lead and positioned itself to blow out Alabama before settling for a 37–24 advantage at the break. Kentucky controlled the paint 28 to 14 while their bench dominated the Tide 31–8. Kentucky also committed just five turnovers while forcing Alabama into 13 mistakes that resulted in 20 points.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/013115aaa.html Balanced Attack Lifts Kentucky Past Alabama 70-55 2015-01-31 2015-01-31 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150204032357/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/013115aaa.html 2015-02-04 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597367 Alabama vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-01-31 2015-01-31 ESPN.com February On February 3 Kentucky hosted Georgia at Rupp Arena, defeating the Bulldogs 69 to 58. The Bulldogs were without leading scorer and rebounder Marcus Thornton, who was out due to a concussion. Andrew Harrison scored 23 points and combined with Towns for key baskets down the stretch that helped Kentucky pull away. Harrison's layup with 3:58 remaining provided a 62 to 54 lead before baskets by Georgia's Yante Maten and Nemanja Djurisic pulled the Bulldogs to 63 to 58 with 2:06 left. Towns' short jumper with 1:33 left got the lead to seven, and Tyler Ulis and Harrison each added two free throws in the final minute for the Wildcats.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/020315aaa.html Towns, Andrew Harrison Spearhead 69-58 Win Over Georgia 2015-02-03 2015-02-03 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150207114030/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/020315aaa.html 2015-02-07 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597368 Georgia vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-02-03 2015-02-03 ESPN.com On February 7 Kentucky traveled to Gainesville to face arch-rival Florida. Florida swept all three meetings in 2014, winning in Lexington, in Gainesville and in the SEC tournament. Both teams advanced to the Final Four in 2014, but had gone in different directions in 2015. Florida entered the game one game over .500 and struggling mightily through the beginning of SEC play. Aaron Harrison scored 23 points, Towns added 19 and the Wildcats remained unbeaten with a 68 to 61 victory over the Gators before a national television audience on ESPN's College GameDay. Florida led by nine in the first half and used a 6 to 0 run to go up 44–42 midway through the second half. However, Cauley-Stein's dunk proved to be the turning point. Florida's Devon Robinson turned the ball over on one end, and Cauley-Stein was the beneficiary on the other. He caught a pass in transition near the foul line, took two steps and then slammed it over Robinson. He was fouled on the play and made the free throw to put Kentucky ahead for good. Free throws were huge down the stretch, too. Kentucky closed out the game from the charity stripe and finished 21 of 22 from there.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/020715aab.html Cats Persevere, Defeat Florida 68-61 in Road Test 2015-02-07 2015-02-07 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150210100901/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/020715aab.html 2015-02-10 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597381 Kentucky vs Florida boxscore 2015-02-07 2015-02-07 ESPN.com On February 9 traveled to Baton Rouge face LSU before another national television audience on ESPN. Frustrated by the way his team was playing, coach Calipari told them he hoped they'd lose. They almost did. Towns redeemed himself after drawing a technical foul for hanging on the basket and the ire of his coach by hitting a go-head jump hook with 1:30 left and grabbing a clutch offensive rebound against LSU in the final minute to help Kentucky stay unbeaten, defeating the Tigers 71–69. Calipari explained that he wanted to make sure his team won't lose elimination games in March over senseless fouls, so even as his assistants pleaded with him to call timeout, he just watched and joined in the ear-ringing frenzy at the sold out Pete Maravich Assembly Center during a stunning 21–2 LSU run that gave the Tigers a 66 to 60 lead. LSU's Keith Hornsby had a shot to win it for LSU in the final seconds, but his off-balance 3 bounced off the outside of the rim, and Kentucky was victorious.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/021015aaa.html Cauley-Stein, Towns Key in 71-69 Victory at LSU 2015-02-10 2015-02-10 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150211212239/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/021015aaa.html 2015-02-11 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597382 Kentucky vs LSU boxscore 2015-02-10 2015-02-10 ESPN.com On February 14 Kentucky returned to Rupp Arena to face off against South Carolina for the second time this season. After holding South Carolina to 27 percent shooting in last month's meeting, Kentucky limited the Gamecocks to just 13 of 55 from the field (24 percent) this time. Kentucky had a strong start that put South Carolina in a hole that steadily deepened. The Wildcats led 26 to 6 with 8:21 left in the first half and never eased off in overwhelming South Carolina on both ends. It was 43 to 18 at halftime, and Kentucky poured it on against a Gamecocks squad looking to build off a five-point win over Missouri.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/021415aaa.html Kentucky Smothers South Carolina for 77-43 Win 2015-02-14 2015-02-14 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150216134022/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/021415aaa.html 2015-02-16 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597390 South Carolina vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-02-14 2015-02-14 ESPN.com On February 17 Kentucky traveled to Knoxville to face arch-rival Tennessee. Booker had 18 points and seven rebounds as Kentucky picked up its defense in the second half and pulled away for a 66 to 48 victory over the Volunteers. The victory set a new record for the historic program as they became 26–0 for the first time, though the Wildcats finished the 1953–54 season with a 25–0 mark.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/021715aaa.html Kentucky Pulls Away from Tennessee for 66-48 Win 2015-02-17 2015-02-17 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150221015619/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/021715aaa.html 2015-02-21 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597396 Kentucky vs Tennessee boxscore 2015-02-17 2015-02-17 ESPN.com On February 21 Kentucky returned to Rupp Arena to defeat Auburn 110 to 75. Towns scored 19 points to lead six Kentucky players in double figures. The Wildcats recorded their highest scoring total since 2002 in the blowout win over the Tigers. The victory also extended their best start ever and equaled the 1995–96 squad's school-record 27-game winning streak. At halftime Kentucky hoisted legendary player Tony Delk's #00 jersey in the rafters.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/022115aaa.html Towns Sparks Offensive Eruption in 110-75 Win 2015-02-21 2015-02-21 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150224085522/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/022115aaa.html 2015-02-24 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597407 Auburn vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-02-21 2015-02-21 ESPN.com On February 25 Kentucky traveled to Starkville to face Mississippi State. Kentucky looked slightly mortal for most of the first half, letting a 14-point lead evaporate to 33 to 27. Ulis hit a 3-pointer just before the halftime buzzer to push the Wildcats' advantage to 36 to 27. They had a few more careless defensive moments early in the second half, which helped Mississippi State briefly make things interesting. Mississippi State's Craig Sword's pass to a wide-open Roquez Johnson led to an easy layup, pulling the Bulldogs within four with 15 minutes remaining. Kentucky responded with the next six points by pounding the ball into the paint and using its significant size advantage to pull away for the win. Lyles scored 18 points, and Kentucky was victorious 74–56.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/022515aaa.html Lyles, Towns Lead Kentucky to 74-56 Win at Mississippi State 2015-02-25 2015-02-25 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150228184529/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/022515aaa.html 2015-02-28 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597414 Kentucky vs Mississippi State boxscore 2015-02-25 2015-02-25 ESPN.com On February 28 Kentucky returned to Rupp Arena to face off against nationally ranked Arkansas. The Razorbacks entered the game ranked No. 16/18 in the AP and USA Today Coaches polls. This was the first ranked opponent since they defeated Louisville in late December. Arkansas also entered the game on a three-game win streak over Kentucky. The Wildcats seized the tempo from the start with a quick pace that knocked the Razorbacks on their heels. Lyles started things off with a lob dunk from Towns (eight points, five rebounds), who followed with a putback basket. Aaron Harrison (nine points, seven rebounds) soon added a 3-pointer to get a sellout crowd into the game, and Kentucky had plenty more in an energetic if chippy first half by both teams. Arkansas went 0 for 9 from long range and shot 30 percent overall while getting outrebounded 24 to 18 through 20 minutes as Kentucky built a 42–26 halftime lead. At one point in the second half the lead swelled to 31 points. The Wildcats clinched the Southeastern Conference regular-season title defeating the Razorbacks 84–67.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/022815aaa.html Kentucky Downs No. 16/18 Arkansas, Claims 46th SEC Title Outright 2015-02-28 2015-02-28 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150303151629/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/022815aaa.html 2015-03-03 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597420 Arkansas vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-02-28 2015-02-28 ESPN.com March On March 2 Kentucky traveled to Athens to for its second meeting with Georgia. Facing the largest second-half deficit of its so-far perfect season, Kentucky clamped down defensively, ripped off a 14 to 0 run and defeat Georgia 72–64. Georgia's Yante Maten tipped in a miss of his own shot on the second attempt to put the Bulldogs up 56–47 with just over 9 minutes remaining. Towns and Aaron Harrison were huge down the stretch, combining for 12 of the 14 points during the decisive run. Towns had seven, including a three-point play with 2:53 left that put Kentucky ahead to stay. Harrison chipped in with five, and Cauley-Stein came up with a huge dunk off a missed free throw to give the Wildcats a four-point play on one possession.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030315aaa.html Towns Powers Late Rally to Edge Georgia 72-64 2015-03-02 2015-03-02 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150306193852/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030315aaa.html 2015-03-06 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597425 Kentucky vs Georgia boxscore 2015-03-02 2015-03-02 ESPN.com On March 7, Kentucky returned to Rupp Arena to face Florida on senior night in the regular season finale. Kentucky embraced its milestone following the 67–50 victory over the Gators. The Wildcats gathered at midcourt and donned their blue T-shirts with 31-0 Not Done Yet in white. Kentucky became the first team from a Power 5 conference to achieve a perfect record during the regular season in over twenty-five years.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030715aaa.html Kentucky Beats Florida, Completes Undefeated Regular Season 2015-03-07 2015-03-07 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150311063538/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030715aaa.html 2015-03-11 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400597432 Florida vs Kentucky boxscore 2015-03-07 2015-03-07 ESPN.com SEC tournament Kentucky entered the 2015 SEC tournament as the top-overall seed and bye until the quarterfinals. The SEC tournament took place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. On March 13, Kentucky met Florida for the third time of the season with the right to go to the semifinals of the SEC tournament. In the day prior, Florida defeated Alabama in the second round to advance to the quarterfinals. Aaron Harrison and Towns each scored 13 points and Kentucky shut down Florida in the second half to pull away for a 64–49 victory. The height advantage helped Kentucky outrebound Florida 39 to 33, including a 16 to 11 edge offensively that created extra chances and earned frequent trips to the free-throw line. Towns also had 12 boards.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400784919 Florida vs Kentucky SEC boxscore 2015-03-13 2015-03-13 ESPN.comhttp://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031315aab.html Towns, Aaron Harrison Help Kentucky Top Florida in SECT Quarters 2015-03-13 2015-03-13 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150315165526/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031315aab.html 2015-03-15 dead On March 14 Kentucky met Auburn in the semifinals of the SEC tournament. In the day prior, Auburn upset LSU in overtime. Kentucky poured it on against an Auburn squad that lost two players in less than 24 hours. Auburn forward Jordon Granger was suspended for fighting in Friday's quarterfinal win over LSU, and the school announced just before the tipoff that forward Cinmeon Bowers had been suspended for a potential rules violation. Cauley-Stein scored 18 points and Andrew Harrison added 15 to help Kentucky improve to 33–0 in a 91 to 67 victory over the Tigers and advance to the finals of the SEC tournament. The win broke the school-record winning streak of 32 games set from December 5, 1953, to January 8, 1955.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400785062 Auburn vs Kentucky SEC boxscore 2015-03-14 2015-03-14 ESPN.com On March 15 Kentucky met Arkansas in the title game of the SEC tournament. The Razorbacks defeated Georgia in the semifinals the day prior. Cauley-Stein scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and Kentucky never trailed in beating No. 21 Arkansas 78 to 63 for the program's 28th SEC tournament title. Kentucky scored the first eight points as Andrew Harrison hit two 3s early. Arkansas had not trailed in this tournament, yet against Kentucky the best the Razorbacks could do was tie the game four times with the last at 19-all on a 3-pointer by Qualls with 7:59 left. By the time the Razorbacks worked the ball inside against Kentucky's blue wall, they struggled to knock down shots. After Qualls' 3, they didn't score another field goal the rest of the half. Kentucky scored seven straight as part of a 16–4 run to finish the half with a 41–25 lead.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031515aaa.html Kentucky Claims 28th SEC Tourney Title with 78-63 Win Over No. 21/20 Arkansas 2015-03-15 2015-03-15 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150318013026/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031515aaa.html 2015-03-18 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400785256 Arkansas vs Kentucky SEC boxscore 2015-03-15 2015-03-15 ESPN.com NCAA tournament Kentucky entered the NCAA tournament as the number one overall seed in the Midwest region.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031515aaa.html Kentucky Earns No. 1 Seed in NCAA tournament 2015-03-15 2015-03-15 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150317191205/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031515aaa.html 2015-03-17 deadhttps://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2015-03-15/kentucky-leads-overall-no-1-seed-march-madness-field-68 Kentucky leads with the overall No. 1 seed in the March Madness field of 68 2015-03-15 2015-03-15 NCAA.com The top four seeds within the region included Kentucky, Kansas, Notre Dame, and Maryland. The semifinals and finals of the region were held in Cleveland. Round of 64 On Selection Sunday, it was announced that Kentucky would play its opening round games in Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center against the winner of a play-in game between Hampton and Manhattan. Hampton defeated Manhattan 74–64 on March 17. On March 20, Kentucky played Hampton and defeated the Pirates 79–56. Towns bounced back from a mini slump with 21 points and 11 rebounds, Andrew Harrison added 14 points, and the Wildcats rolled to an opening game victory.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032015aaa.html Towns' Double-Double Leads Kentucky Past Hampton 2015-03-20 2015-03-20 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150322133351/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032015aaa.html 2015-03-22 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400785343 Hampton vs Kentucky NCAA boxscore 2015-03-20 2015-03-20 ESPN.com Round of 32 On March 20, 8th-seeded Cincinnati and 9th-seeded Purdue squared off in the game prior to Kentucky and Hampton playing. The Bearcats outlasted the Boilermakers 66–65 in overtime. On March 22 Cincinnati and Kentucky met in Louisville for a berth to the Sweet 16. This was the first meeting between the two programs since the 2005 NCAA tournament in which Kentucky won. The game was not as easy for the Wildcats like it was in the opening round game against Hampton. Kentucky shot just 37 percent and was outrebounded 45 to 38 yet always seemed in control because of timely baskets and rebounds that Cincinnati failed to get. The physical, pesky Bearcats made the Wildcats work hard for every shot and rebound in an intense contest. Yet the Wildcats succeeded by making life difficult on both ends for Cincinnati, holding the Bearcats to 32 percent shooting including just 24 percent in the second half. Kentucky blocked six shots after halftime and nine overall while also coming up with key rebounds. Kentucky outlasted Cincinnati's physicality, defeating the Bearcats 64 to 51 en route to the Sweet 16.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032115aaa.html Sweet 16: Lyles, Aaron Harrison Lead Kentucky in Win Over Cincinnati 2015-03-22 2015-03-22 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150324141640/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032115aaa.html 2015-03-24 deadhttps://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400786203 Cincinnati vs Kentucky NCAA boxscore 2015-03-22 2015-03-22 ESPN.com Midwest Regional semifinals On March 21, 4th-seeded Maryland faced off against 5th-seeded West Virginia. The Mountaineers defeated the Terrapins 69–59 to set up a match-up against Kentucky in the Sweet 16 in Cleveland. Prior to the game on March 26, West Virginia guard Daxter Miles Jr. guaranteed that the Mountaineers would hand the Wildcats their first loss of the season, claiming the Wildcats were going to be 36–1.http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2015/03/25/wvus-miles-kentucky-is-gonna-be-36-1/70446880/ Daxter Miles guarantee 2015-03-25 2015-03-25 Courier-Journal Tucker, Kyle The comment by Miles made ESPN's SportsCenter prior to the game and created a lot of commentary prior to the game about the Mountaineers chances against the Wildcats. The commentary by the West Virginia player only fueled the Kentucky players. Within the first eight minutes, Kentucky built an 18 to 2 lead. Rendering West Virginia's full-court pressure wholly ineffective, UK committed just 10 turnovers for the game and shot a scalding 60.9 percent from the field in building an insurmountable 44–18 lead. The Mountaineers, meanwhile, were flummoxed on offense. They shot 24.1 percent from the field for the game and at one point had made just 5-of-37 attempts. All told, they managed just 0.582 points per possession and their 39 points were a season low. UK, meanwhile, blocked seven shots. Six players combined for UK's 13 assists on 24 made field goals, while more good passes helped lead to the Cats' 31 free-throw attempts, of which they hit 26. Trey Lyles hit 6-of-7 tries from the line in pacing UK with 14 points, while Andrew Harrison scored nine of his 13 points at the line. Kentucky defeated West Virginia 78–39, tying the largest margin of victory ever in a regional semifinal.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032715aaa.html Walking the walk: Cats cruise past West Virginia, into Elite Eight 2015-03-27 2015-03-27 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150329224016/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032715aaa.html 2015-03-29https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400786514 West Virginia vs Kentucky NCAA boxscore 2015-03-27 2015-03-27 ESPN.com Midwest Regional Finals On March 26, 3rd-seeded Notre Dame faced off against Wichita State for a berth to the Elite Eight. Notre Dame defeated Wichita State 81 to 70 to set up a meeting with Kentucky two nights later. On March 28 Kentucky and Notre Dame met for a berth to the Final Four. In a game that was considered one of the greatest in NCAA tournament history, Kentucky defeated Notre Dame 68–66. Kentucky needed its players to step up in a big game with such high stakes. Towns was foremost among players stepping up when it mattered most. The 6-foot-11 forward played through foul trouble to score nine of his career-best 25 points over that final stretch, including the game-tying basket in the post with 1:12 left. The big 3 came with 3:15 on the clock. The Cats, in the midst of a rally after previously trailing by six points with 6:14 to go, trailed by just two when Aaron Harrison pulled up from the right wing. With six seconds left in an Elite Eight matchup with Notre Dame, Andrew Harrison drove and drew a foul on Notre Dame's Demetrius Jackson. Following a timeout called by the Fighting Irish, he toed the line in a 66–66 game and sank two free throws to give Kentucky a two-point lead. The margin remained intact as Notre Dame's Jerian Grant missed a contested 3-pointer as time expired. The game between Kentucky and Notre Dame was the highest rated college basketball game on cable of all time.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400787576 Notre Dame vs Kentucky NCAA boxscore 2015-03-28 2015-03-28 ESPN.comhttp://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032815aaa.html Andrew Harrison's free throws cap closing rally, send Cats back to Final Four 2015-03-28 2015-03-28 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150331182740/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032815aaa.html 2015-03-31 deadhttp://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2015/03/29/uk-notre-dame-registers-record-tv-rating/70628814/ UK-Notre Dame registers record TV rating 2015-03-28 2015-03-28 Courier-Journal Lintner, Jonathan National semifinal On March 26, 1-seeded Wisconsin defeated 2-seeded Arizona 85–78 for a berth to the Final Four. This set up a re-match between Kentucky and Wisconsin at the Final Four, this time in Indianapolis. On April 4, Kentucky and Wisconsin faced off for a berth to the National Championship game against Duke. The Wildcats, once trailing by nine points in the first half and eight early in the second, were poised to close out another opponent in the final minutes, this time in the Final Four. With an 8 to 0 run and their defense holding Wisconsin scoreless for more than six minutes, the Cats grabbed a 60–56 lead with less than five minutes remaining. The Badgers reeled off an 8 to 0 run of their own that Sam Dekker started. Next, Nigel Hayes tied the game with a put-back. It was the last of Wisconsin's 12 offensive rebounds and 13 second-chance points. The Badgers' 71–64 upset victory increased the perfect season drought to 39 years.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400787769 Wisconsin vs Kentucky NCAA boxscore 2015-04-06 2015-04-06 ESPN.comhttp://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/040415aaa.html Dream season ends too soon with loss to Wisconsin 2015-04-06 2015-04-06 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150407205057/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/040415aaa.html 2015-04-07 dead Results yes yes |- !colspan=12 style="background:#005DAA; color:white;"| Exhibition Aug 10 1:00 pm yes yes Puerto Rico Reserve Imperial Arena Nassau, BAH ESPNU Aa. Harrison 19 Towns 7 Ulis 5 74–49 – – Aug 11 1:00 pm yes yes Champagne Châlons-Reims Imperial Arena Nassau, BAH ESPNU Towns 19 Towns 10 An. Harrison 5 81–58 – – Aug 12 1:00 pm yes yes Puerto Rico Reserve Imperial Arena Nassau, BAH ESPNU Poythress 15 Poythress 10 An. Harrison 6 93–57 – – Aug 15 1:00 pm yes yes Dominican Republic Imperial Arena Nassau, BAH SECN Poythress 20 Johnson 12 An. Harrison 6 83–71 – – Aug 16 1:00 pm yes yes Champagne Châlons-Reims Imperial Arena Nassau, BAH SECN Aa. Harrison 15 Johnson 8 An. Harrison 7 77–72 – – Aug 17 1:00 pm yes yes Dominican Republic Imperial Arena Nassau, BAH SECN Ulis 12 Johnson 9 Ulis 5 62–63 – – Nov 2 7:00 pm yes 1 Pikeville Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky SECN Towns 22 Tied 8 An. Harrison 9 116–68 21,036 – Nov 9 7:00 pm yes 1 Georgetown (KY) Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky SECN Aa. Harrison 17 Johnson 10 An. Harrison 6 121–52 21,490 – |- !colspan=12 style="background:#005DAA; color:white;"| Non-conference regular season Nov 14 8:00 pm yes 1 Grand Canyon Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky Cawood Ledford Classic SECN An. Harrison 16 Johnson 13 Tied 3 85–45 22,533 1–0 Nov 16 Noon yes 1 Buffalo Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky Cawood Ledford Classic ESPNU Tied 12 Johnson 12 Ulis 6 71–52 22,175 2–0 Nov 18 9:00 pm yes yes 1 Kansas 5 Bankers Life Fieldhouse Indianapolis Champions Classic ESPN Johnson 11 Cauley-Stein 10 An. Harrison 4 72–40 19,306 3–0 Nov 21 7:00 pm yes 1 Boston University Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky FSN Aa. Harrison 19 Johnson 6 Booker 7 89–65 22,485 4–0 Nov 23 6:00 pm yes 1 Montana State Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky Cawood Ledford Classic SECN Booker 18 Towns 10 Ulis 5 86–28 22,384 5–0 Nov 25 7:00 pm yes 1 UT-Arlington Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky Cawood Ledford Classic SECN Booker 19 Towns 11 Ulis 5 92–44 22,639 6–0 Nov 30 2:00 pm yes 1 Providence Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky ESPN2 Tied 11 Tied 6 Tied 4 58–38 23,601 7–0 Dec 5 7:00 pm yes 1 Texas 6 Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky Big 12/SEC Challenge ESPN Cauley-Stein 21 Cauley-Stein 12 Tied 4 63–51 24,340 8–0 Dec 7 6:00 pm yes 1 Eastern Kentucky Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky SECN Towns 19 Lyles 10 Tied 6 82–49 23,268 9–0 Dec 10 7:00 pm yes 1 Columbia Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky ESPN2 Aa. Harrison 14 Tied 10 Tied 3 56–46 22,112 10–0 Dec 13 Noon yes 1 North Carolina 21 Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky Rivalry CBS Tied 15 Cauley-Stein 6 Ulis 8 84–70 24,406 11–0 Dec 20 3:30 pm yes yes 1 UCLA United Center Chicago CBS Sports Classic CBS Booker 19 Towns 10 An. Harrison 8 83–44 19,726 12–0 Dec 27 2:00 pm yes yes 1 Louisville 4 KFC Yum! Center Louisville, Kentucky Battle for the Bluegrass ESPN2 Ulis 14 Tied 9 Tied 4 58–50 22,812 13–0 |- !colspan=12 style="background:#005DAA; color:white;"| SEC regular season Jan 6 7:00 pm no 1 Ole Miss Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky SECN Aa. Harrison 26 Cauley-Stein 12 Ulis 7 89–86 OT 24,275 14–0 1–0 Jan 10 1:00 pm no yes 1 Texas A&M Reed Arena College Station, Texas CBS Booker 18 Tied 9 An. Harrison 5 70–64 2OT 10,411 15–0 2–0 Jan 13 9:00 pm no 1 Missouri Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky ESPN Aa. Harrison 16 Towns 10 Tied 3 86–37 24,248 16–0 3–0 Jan 17 4:00 pm no yes 1 Alabama Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL ESPN Booker 13 Tied 5 Tied 3 70–48 15,383 17–0 4–0 Jan 20 9:00 pm no 1 Vanderbilt Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky SECN Aa. Harrison 14 Cauley-Stein 10 Tied 4 65–57 24,249 18–0 5–0 Jan 24 Noon no yes 1 South Carolina Colonial Life Arena Columbia, South Carolina ESPN Booker 18 Johnson 6 Ulis 6 58–43 18,000 19–0 6–0 Jan 29 9:00 pm no yes 1 Missouri Mizzou Arena Columbia, Missouri ESPN An. Harrison 15 Johnson 7 An. Harrison 3 69–53 13,034 20–0 7–0 Jan 31 7:00 pm no 1 Alabama Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky SECN Tied 12 Lee 5 Ulis 4 70–55 24,351 21–0 8–0 Feb 3 7:00 pm no 1 Georgia Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky ESPNU An. Harrison 23 Towns 13 An. Harrison 7 69–58 24,256 22–0 9–0 Feb 7 9:00 pm no yes 1 Florida O'Connell Center Gainesville, Florida Rivalry; College GameDay ESPN Aa. Harrison 23 Towns 8 Ulis 5 68–61 12,578 23–0 10–0 Feb 10 7:00 pm no yes 1 LSU Maravich Center Baton Rouge, Louisiana ESPN Cauley-Stein 15 Towns 13 An. Harrison 4 71–69 13,997 24–0 11–0 Feb 14 2:00 pm no 1 South Carolina Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky ESPN Cauley-Stein 14 Johnson 13 An. Harrison 6 77–43 24,305 25–0 12–0 Feb 17 7:00 pm no yes 1 Tennessee Thompson–Boling Arena Knoxville, Tennessee Rivalry ESPN Booker 18 Tied 7 Ulis 6 66–48 21,678 26–0 13–0 Feb 21 7:00 pm no 1 Auburn Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky ESPN Towns 19 Towns 10 An. Harrison 9 110–75 23,403 27–0 14–0 Feb 25 7:00 pm no yes 1 Mississippi State Humphrey Coliseum Starkville, Mississippi SECN Lyles 18 Towns 10 Ulis 4 74–56 6,795 28–0 15–0 Feb 28 4:00 pm no 1 Arkansas 18 Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky CBS Tied 18 Cauley-Stein 9 Tied 3 84–67 24,416 29–0 16–0 Mar 3 9:00 pm no yes 1 Georgia Stegeman Coliseum Athens, Georgia ESPN Towns 19 Towns 7 Ulis 4 72–64 10,523 30–0 17–0 Mar 7 2:00 pm no 1 Florida Rupp Arena Lexington, Kentucky Rivalry; Senior day CBS Lyles 14 Towns 9 Towns 3 67–50 24,428 31–0 18–0 |- !colspan=12 style="text-align: center; background:#005DAA"|SEC tournament Mar 13 1:00 pm yes no 1 1 Florida 8 Bridgestone Arena Nashville, Tennessee Quarterfinals SECN Tied 13 Towns 12 Ulis 4 64–49 18,205 32–0 Mar 14 1:00 pm yes no 1 1 Auburn 13 Bridgestone Arena Nashville, Tennessee Semifinals ESPN Cauley-Stein 18 Cauley-Stein 7 Ulis 6 91–67 19,232 33–0 Mar 15 1:00 pm yes no 1 1 Arkansas 21 2 Bridgestone Arena Nashville, Tennessee Championship game ESPN Tied 15 Cauley-Stein 10 Tied 6 78–63 20,315 34–0 |- !colspan=12 style="text-align: center; background:#005DAA"|NCAA tournament Mar 19 9:40 pm yes yes 1 1 MW Hampton 16 MW KFC Yum! Center Louisville, Kentucky Second Round CBS Towns 21 Tied 11 Tied 3 79–56 21,639 35–0 Mar 21 2:40 pm yes yes 1 1 MW Cincinnati 8 MW KFC Yum! Center Louisville, Kentucky Third Round CBS Aa. Harrison 13 Lyles 11 Ulis 5 64–51 21,760 36–0 Mar 26 9:45 pm yes yes 1 1 MW West Virginia 20 5 MW Quicken Loans Arena Cleveland, Ohio Sweet Sixteen CBS Lyles 14 Cauley-Stein 10 Ulis 4 78–39 19,465 37–0 Mar 28 8:45 pm yes yes 1 1 MW Notre Dame 8 3 MW Quicken Loans Arena Cleveland, Ohio Elite Eight TBS Towns 25 Tied 5 Towns 4 68–66 19,464 38–0 Apr 4 8:45 pm yes yes 1 1 MW Wisconsin 3 1 W Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, Indiana Final Four TBS Towns 16 Towns 9 An. Harrison 4 64–71 72,238 38–1 AP Poll Eastern Time MW Midwest region, W=West region Statistics The team posted the following statistics:http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2014-2015/teamcume.html 2014-15 Kentucky Wildcats season statistics 2015-06-26 University of Kentucky June 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150627203136/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2014-2015/teamcume.html dead NameGPGSMin.Avg.FGFGAFG%3FG3FGA3FG%FTFTAFT%ORDRRBAvg.PFDQAst.TOBlk.Stl.Pts.Avg. Aaron Harrison 39 38 1,005 25.8 146 370 0.395 59 187 0.316 79 101 0.782 15 85 100 2.6 61 2 55 35 6 43 430 11.0 Karl-Anthony Towns 39 39 822 21.1 145 256 0.566 2 8 0.250 109 134 0.813 92 169 261 6.7 115 6 44 53 88 18 401 10.3 Devin Booker 38 0 817 21.5 135 287 0.470 58 141 0.411 53 64 0.828 17 59 76 2.0 58 0 42 37 2 17 381 10.0 Andrew Harrison 39 39 994 25.5 101 267 0.378 36 94 0.383 126 159 0.792 13 74 87 2.2 70 0 139 64 8 40 364 9.3 Willie Cauley-Stein 39 38 1,012 25.9 135 236 0.572 0 0 0.000 79 128 0.617 89 162 251 6.4 78 2 38 48 67 47 349 8.9 Dakari Johnson 39 0 635 16.3 79 156 0.506 0 0 0.000 90 144 0.625 67 112 179 4.6 69 1 29 42 36 14 248 6.4 Tyler Ulis 37 0 882 23.8 67 165 0.406 33 77 0.429 42 52 0.808 16 51 67 1.8 56 0 135 38 2 37 209 5.6 Alex Poythress 8 8 882 20.3 16 42 0.381 0 7 0.000 12 14 0.857 12 18 30 3.8 17 1 2 8 12 4 44 5.5 Marcus Lee 39 0 425 10.9 47 73 0.644 0 0 0.000 8 25 0.320 47 60 107 2.7 61 1 12 18 27 3 102 2.6 Derek Willis 19 0 75 3.9 7 18 0.389 5 15 0.333 6 6 1.000 5 9 14 0.7 5 0 5 8 3 2 25 1.3 Dominique Hawkins 23 9 163 7.1 10 35 0.286 5 21 0.238 4 10 0.400 3 13 16 0.7 14 0 14 5 1 7 29 1.3 Tod Lanter 7 1 8 1.1 1 1 1.000 1 1 1.000 0 0 0.000 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0.4 Sam Malone 8 1 11 1.4 0 1 0.000 0 0 0.000 1 2 0.500 1 2 3 0.4 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0.1 E.J. Floreal 13 0 20 1.5 0 1 0.000 0 0 0.000 1 2 0.500 0 1 1 0.1 2 0 0 4 0 1 1 0.1 Brian Long 10 1 16 1.6 0 2 0.000 0 2 0.000 0 0 0.000 0 0 0 0.0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.0 TEAM 39 49 53 102 2.7 0 6 0 Season Total 39 — 7,875 — 1,006 2,150 0.468 203 582 0.349 685 943 0.726 491 991 1,482 38.0 665 13 553 408 268 253 2,900 74.4 Opponents 39 — 7,875 — 750 2,116 0.354 175 646 0.271 443 672 0.659 463 752 1,215 31.2 778 — 301 533 94 182 2,118 54.3 Honors Watch lists Willie Cauley-Stein and Karl-Anthony Towns were two of four SEC players (with Jordan Mickey and Bobby Portis) named to the 30-man Naismith College Player of the Year midseason watchlist.https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/naismith-watch/2015-02-12/mens-naismith-midseason-30-revealed Men's Naismith Midseason 30 revealed 2015-02-12 2015-02-13 Naismith College Player of the Yearhttp://www.kentucky.com/2015/02/12/3691852_kentuckys-cauley-stein-towns-named.html?rh=1 Kentucky's Cauley-Stein, Towns named to Naismith mid-season watch list 2015-02-12 2015-02-13 Lexington Herald-Leader Cauley-Stein and Portis were two of 15 finalists for the John R. Wooden Award,http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25096997/top-15-finalists-for-the-wooden-award-announced Wooden Award finalists announced 2015-03-07 2015-03-07 CBS Sports Vecenie, Sam Devin Booker and Towns were named as finalists for the Wayman Tisdale Award.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030215aac.html Booker, Towns Tabbed Finalists for Wayman Tisdale Award 2015-03-02 2015-03-02 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150304235009/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030215aac.html 2015-03-04 dead Weekly awards On November 17 Lyles was named Freshman of the Week by the SEC after 14 points and four rebounds performance in his career debut against Grand Canyon and 12 points, four rebounds and three assists in the win over Buffalo.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/111714aaa.html Lyles Named Freshman of the Week, Four on Wooden List 2014-11-17 2014-11-17 CBS Interactive UKAthletics https://web.archive.org/web/20141121012241/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/111714aaa.html 2014-11-21 dead On December 1 and December 8 Towns was named Freshman of the Week by the SEC after averaging 13 points, 7.5 rebounds in wins over UT Arlington, Providence, Texas, and Eastern Kentucky.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/120114aaa.html Towns Named SEC Freshman of the Week 2014-12-01 2014-12-01 CBS Interactive UKAthletics https://web.archive.org/web/20150529224227/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/120114aaa.html 2015-05-29 deadhttp://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/120814aab.html Towns Repeats as SEC Freshman of the Week 2014-12-08 2014-12-08 CBS Interactive UKAthletics https://web.archive.org/web/20150530153831/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/120814aab.html 2015-05-30 dead On December 22 Booker was named Freshman of the Week by the SEC after scoring a game-high 19 points in Kentucky's 83–44 victory over UCLA.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/122214aab.html Booker Named SEC Freshman of the Week 2014-12-22 2014-12-22 CBS Interactive UKAthletics https://web.archive.org/web/20150530152127/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/122214aab.html 2015-05-30 dead On December 29 Ulis became the fourth Wildcat to be named Freshman of the Week by the SEC after he scored a career-high 14 points against Louisville.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/122914aab.html Ulis Named SEC Freshman of the Week 2014-12-29 2014-12-29 CBS Interactive UKAthletics https://web.archive.org/web/20141229230510/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/122914aab.html 2014-12-29 dead A day later Ulis was honored on the national level by being named Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Week by the USBWA following his performance against Louisville.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/123014aaa.html Ulis Named Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Week 2014-12-30 2014-12-30 CBS Interactive UKAthletics https://web.archive.org/web/20150101202355/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/123014aaa.html 2015-01-01 dead SEC awards Cauley-Stein and Towns were unanimous first-team All-SEC selections by coaches and the media. Devin Booker and Aaron Harrison were second-team All-SEC selections from the coaches and the media. Towns was the SEC Freshman of the Year, and he, Booker, Lyles, and Ulis were All-Freshman team selections by the coaches and media. Towns became the sixth straight Wildcat to be named SEC Freshman of the Year (Cousins, Knight, Davis, Noel, Randle). Calipari was named SEC Coach of the Year by the coaches media.http://www.secsports.com/article/12450932/2015-sec-men-basketball-awards 2015 SEC Men's Basketball Awards announced 2015-03-12 2015-03-12 SECsports.comhttp://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031015aag.html Calipari, Cauley-Stein, Booker and Towns Lead All-SEC Honors 2015-03-12 2015-03-12 CBS Interactive UKathletics.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150312143854/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031015aag.html 2015-03-12 dead Cauley-Stein, Andrew Harrison, and Aaron Harrison were named to the 2015 SEC All-Tournament Team, and Cauley-Stein was named MVP of the tournament.http://www.al.com/auburnbasketball/index.ssf/2015/03/auburns_kt_harrell_named_to_se.html Auburn's KT Harrell named to SEC all-tournament team 2015-03-16 2015-03-16 Al.com Marcello, Brandon National District awards Cauley-Stein was named District IV (Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida) Player of the Year, Calipari was named District IV Coach of the Year and Booker, Cauley-Stein, Aaron Harrison, and Towns were named to the All-District IV team by the USBWA.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031015aal.html Cauley-Stein, Towns Named Sporting News All-Americans 2015-03-10 2015-03-10 CBS Interactive UKAthletics https://web.archive.org/web/20150313161001/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031015aal.html 2015-03-13 dead Cauley-Stein and Towns were listed on the National Association of Basketball Coaches Division I All-District 21 first team, while Booker was listed on the second team on March 12.http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/latc/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2014-15/misc_non_event/NABCdistrict.pdf National Association of Basketball Coaches Announces 2014-15 Division I All-District Teams 2015-03-12 2015-03-12 National Association of Basketball Coaches 2015-06-27 https://web.archive.org/web/20150627151819/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/latc/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2014-15/misc_non_event/NABCdistrict.pdf dead All-American and National awards Cauley-Stein was a consensus first-team All-American, and Towns was a consensus second-team All-American. The Associated Press named Cauley-Stein as a first-team All-American, and Towns as a second-team All-American.http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/30/the-ap-released-their-all-american-teams-on-monday/ The AP released their All-American teams on Monday NBCSports.com March 30, 2015 March 30, 2015 The USBWA named Cauley-Stein a first-team All-American.http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2015/allamerica150316.html USBWA Names 2014-15 All-Americans United States Basketball Writers Association March 16, 2015 March 16, 2015 The NABC named Cauley-Stein a first-team All-American and Towns a second-team All-American.http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209991498&DB_OEM_ID=10410 Niang, Hield Earn NABC All-America Honors Big 12 Conference March 30, 2015 March 30, 2015 The Sporting News named Cauley-Stein a first-team All-American and Towns a third-team All-American.Linton Chance Sporting News releases 2014-2015 All-American Team March 9, 2015 247sports.com https://247sports.com/Bolt/Sporting-News-releases-2014-2015-All-American-Team-36082417 https://web.archive.org/web/20150311163733/http://247sports.com/Bolt/Sporting-News-releases-2014-2015-All-American-Team-36082417 March 11, 2015 dead December 9, 2017 The AP, NABC, Naismith, Sporting News also named Calipari the National Coach of the Year.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/033115aac.html John Calipari Named NABC Coach of the Year Kentucky Wildcats March 31, 2015 March 31, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402090405/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/033115aac.html April 2, 2015 dead mdy-all http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2015-03-10/sporting-news-coach-of-the-year-college-basketball-john-calipari-kentucky Calipari's accidental plan for perfection earns him Sporting News Coach of the Year Sporting News March 10, 2015 March 10, 2015 March 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150312141806/http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2015-03-10/sporting-news-coach-of-the-year-college-basketball-john-calipari-kentucky dead The NABC named Cauley-Stein its NABC Defensive Player of the Year.Kentucky Basketball's Willie Cauley-Stein Wins NABC Defensive Player of the Year. Retrieved on April 9, 2015. Rankings 1 20 1 20 Pre AP 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Coaches 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 2015 NBA draft right horizontal Karl-Anthony Towns, Willie Cauley-Stein, Devin Booker, and Trey Lyles (left to right) were selected 1st, 6th, 13th and 12th, respectively, in the 2015 NBA draft. 160 Karl Towns.jpg Player shooting the ball Willie Cauley-Stein-4.jpg Player warming up Devin Booker.jpg Player warming up Trey Lyles.jpg Player warming up On April 9 UK held a press conference for all players that intended to declare for the 2015 NBA draft. Seven players declared themselves eligible for the draft: Booker, Cauley-Stein, the Harrison twins (Aaron and Andrew), Johnson, Lyles, and Towns.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040915aaa.html Seven Wildcats Declare for NBA Draft 2015-04-09 2015-04-09 CBS Interactive UKAthletics https://web.archive.org/web/20150411222014/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040915aaa.html 2015-04-11 deadhttps://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/record-kentucky-players-intend-enter-nba-draft-30201799 Seven Wildcats Declare for NBA Draft 2015-04-09 2015-04-09 Associated Press Graves, Gary ABC News Leading up to the draft Towns, Cauley-Stein, Booker and Lyles were projected as lottery picks. The Harrison twins and Johnson were projected as second-round draft picks.http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/university-of-kentucky/2015/06/24/nba-draft-projections-university-of-kentucky-wildcats/29220667/ NBA Draft projections for all seven Kentucky Wildcats 2015-06-23 2015-06-23 Courier-Journal Tucker, Kyle Towns was projected to be the number one overall pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves.https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2015/06/25/karl-anthony-towns-devin-booker-willie-cauley-stein-trey-lyles-john-calipari-kentucky-wildcats-nba-draft/29262725/ Kentucky players will be well represented in NBA draft 2015-06-24 2015-06-24 USA Today Bodner, Derek In the draft Towns was selected No. 1 by Minnesota. He was followed by Cauley-Stein, who went to the Sacramento Kings at No. 6; Lyles, who was taken by the Utah Jazz at No. 12; and Booker, who was chosen No. 13 by the Phoenix Suns. In the second round Andrew Harrison was taken No. 44 by the Suns and traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, while Johnson went 48th overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder.https://nypost.com/2015/06/26/nba-draft-turns-into-a-love-in-for-john-calipari-kentucky/ NBA draft turns into a love-in for John Calipari, Kentucky 2015-06-25 2015-06-25 New York Post Braziller, Zach Towns became the third player (Davis and Wall) in Kentucky history taken first in the draft.http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/062615aaa.html Wildcats Make History Again with Six NBA Draft Picks 2015-06-25 2015-06-25 CBS Interactive UKAthletics dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150626185630/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/062615aaa.html 2015-06-26 The four players taken in the lottery tied the record for most players taken from one school in the lottery (North Carolina, 2005).https://www.si.com/nba/2015/06/25/nba-draft-2015-kentucky-record-lottery-picks Kentucky ties NBA draft record with four lottery picks 2015-06-25 2015-06-25 Sports Illustrated Fiammetta, Mike NBA draft selections Year Round Pick Overall Player NBA club 2015 1 1 1 Karl-Anthony Towns Minnesota Timberwolves 2015 1 6 6 Willie Cauley-Stein Sacramento Kings 2015 1 12 12 Trey Lyles Utah Jazz 2015 1 13 13 Devin Booker Phoenix Suns 2015 2 14 44 Andrew Harrison Phoenix Suns 2015 2 18 48 Dakari Johnson Oklahoma City Thunder See also 2014–15 Kentucky Wildcats women's basketball team 2015 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament References 33em Kentucky Category:Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball seasons Kentucky Category:NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament Final Four seasons Kentucky Wildcats Kentucky Wildcats