Fire Tubby?

When it was announced that Louisville would be playing its first two rounds at Rupp, I was actually very happy for them. They were looking at a potential second-round matchup with Texas A&M, a strong team that traded blows with the top of the Big 12. Having a nearly home-court advantage would help them continue a fantastic second half of the season.

I’ve always been of the belief that other schools in Kentucky should always be successful in basketball, so that we can all continuously proclaim that our state is the heart of Basketball. And as far as the Cardinals’ season of success is compared to the Wildcats’ season, allow me to direct your attention to the scoreboard.

Plus, I knew Cardinal fans would as giddy as a kid at Christmas to fill Rupp with red and black colors and “C-A-R-D-S CARDS!” chants. I expected the “Lessington” and “coRUPPt Arena” digs from Mike the Chronicler and other Ville fans. I expected the few Big Blue fans who snagged tickets to look around a Cardinals Red Rupp and smile nervously, shaking their head at how unbelievely RED our Big Blue House had turned.

So I entered Rupp today with a smile; today was a Louisville day and I was hoping that our brothers in backcourts would enjoy the experience. Arriving at my seat right before the last 20 minutes of a Cardinals Buzzsaw cutting through the Cardinal Redwood, I was happy. Even when I was told that Pitino’s Birdies rattled off a first half that hearkened to the Big Blue Pitino days of lore, I was happy for the Cardinals fanbase and not jeolous. I wanted Louisville have their moment in the bright lights at Rupp; and enjoy it with them, not as a rival but as a fellow fan of basketball in this great Basketball state.

But then Hefty Lefty, my blogger-in-arms who had witnessed the pre-game and first half activities, told me a terrible truth. “They showed Laettner’s Shot on the screens. You know. Laettner’s Shot. And the Louisville fans gave a standing ovation.”

Little Brother, that’s crossing the line.

Of course, rooting for the struggling Lopez brothers and their teammates was hopeless. So we sat there, stewing in a burgoo peppered with angst. The Cardinals continued to fly high in Pitino’s old den, and as they left the court, I was not relieved.

Cardinals fans, I hope you enjoy your next game in our wonderful arena as the home team. Remember that Rupp Arena and its honored place in basketball history, is not yours, nor will it ever be yours. Also, forgive me for rooting that the Law IV will drop 25 on you to sour your Sweet 16 dreams.

For a great breakdown of the Kentucky & Louisville rivalry, check out BigBlueHistory.net’s article.