Enormous ESPN Audience Watched Kentucky Take Down Indiana

Kentucky was desperate for a win when Indiana came to Rupp Arena. The Wildcats played like it to grind out a 72-60 win.

The clash of traditional college basketball powers served as the marquee matchup of Saturday’s college hoops slate on ESPN, the first weekend that wasn’t loaded to the gills with college football. Sports fans were looking for something to watch, and Kentucky vs. Indiana caught their attention.

ESPN shared that 2 million people tuned in to watch the Cats and the Hoosiers. It was ESPN’s most-watched college basketball game of the season, and its most-watched December college basketball game in five years.

Kentucky and Indiana weren’t the only attractions. For the first time, Charles Barkley sat court-side to provide color commentary for a basketball game. Why did Barkley want to take off his studio analyst hat to try on another? To call a game with Dick Vitale.

“I’ve been so lucky and blessed with everything that basketball has given me in my life. There’s nobody who’s ever appreciated and enjoyed basketball more than this man,” Barkley said just before tip-off. “This is going to be one of the coolest nights of my life. I love you, man.”

Barkley and Vitale made TV magic, while the Cats secured a win in front of a huge TV audience. That’s a win-win.

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.