“Kentucky losing to Wisconsin in 2015”: Fans debate the most devastating March Madness loss in last 20 years
March Madness is an annual month-long festival, showcasing the best and potential future of basketball in the nation. However, unlike foundational pillars of other tourneys, this madness does not necessarily revolve around the giants like the Wildcats, Huskies or Blue Devils.
Rather, fans connect more on wonder stories like the Villanova Wildcats' 1985 run, the Virginia Cavaliers in 2019 and even the Loyola Ramblers in 2018.
So, when a Reddit user initiated a debate on a program's most devastating March Madness loss in the last 20 years, plenty of fans suggested John Calipari's Wildcats' dismal stints in an exciting debate.
"Kentucky-Wichita State 2014 Round of 32," the OP initiated the thread.
"Kentucky losing to Wisconsin in 2015. Kentucky still hasn’t recovered," a fan wrote.
"Kentucky 2015 has to be up there. Not only did they lose a shot at putting that squad into the greatest team ever debate, they had to watch Wisconsin turn around and lose to Duke two nights later," another enthusiast quipped before highlighting Wildcats' absence from the Final-Four games since losing to the Wisconsin Badgers.
On the other hand, several penned heartbreaks due to Michigan State, the exit of Brad Stevens and more:
"2010 Michigan State probably. Came back from down 15 to lose on a buzzer beater," a fan highlighted MSU's 2010-11 season-ending game against UCLA.
"Buffalo. Princeton. Wisconsin, twice. Clemson last year. Pick one of the above, really," one posted.
"Butler back-to-back title losses in 2010 and 2011," another fan wrote before highlighting the void Butler faced as coach Brad Stevens transitioned to the NBA.
Kentucky Wildcats might be the biggest upset stories in recent years
Having played their first season in 1903, the Wildcats have emerged as the most successful program for men's Division I basketball. They have played over 3,000 games and harbor a winning percentage of 76%, the best of any team.
The university has been home to many NBA stars, including Jamal Murray, Bam Adebayo and Karl-Anthony Towns. And not to forget the renowned coach John Calipari, who only recently sided with Arkansas.
However, despite all of their star-studded names, the Wildcats' latest championship run came in 2012, alongside a crew of six future NBA players, including Anthony Davis.
Kentucky has maintained its position to be an elite basketball school in the last decade. However, the program has logged only one championship game appearance since the 2012 championship run.