KSR Postgame Show: Kentucky MBB at LSU – Epic Buzzer-Beater Win (01/14/26)

Episode Overview

This special postgame episode of the KSR Postgame Show, hosted by Matt Jones and Billy Reed, dives deep into Kentucky's thrilling 75–74 comeback victory over LSU in Baton Rouge. The Cats clawed back from an 18-point first-half deficit, culminating in an unforgettable buzzer-beater by Malachi Moreno—a play instantly dubbed "iconic" in Kentucky lore. The episode captures the emotional rollercoaster of the night, analyzes tactical adjustments, and features memorable fan, family, and analyst reactions in real time.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Comeback & "Season-Saving" Win

• Kentucky was down 18 in the first half, scoring just 22 points and only two field goals in 14 minutes.
• "A miserable first half... But in the second half you saw the makings of a team that can be really good." – Matt Jones (01:12)
• In the second half, the team shot a flurry of threes (hit 8, possibly 10 for the game) and moved to a smaller, more mobile lineup.

The Game-Winning Play

• Malachi Moreno hit a turnaround jumper at the buzzer after a full-court inbound pass from Colin Chandler.
• "That play will go down in the UK kind of lore... Malachi’s kind of put himself in a history part of UK sports." – Matt Jones (03:40)
• The shot was not even the first or second option on the play. Moreno was the third option.

2. The "Right" Lineup Emerges

• Shifted to a small-ball lineup: three guards with either Cam Williams or Yelovich at the 4, and Moreno at center.
• Matt: "It is clear that the smaller lineup just works more... It gives driving lanes to Oweh and Aberdeen, and that’s clearly what they’re better at." (02:39)
• The coaching staff benched big man Diabate—difficult, but judged as the right move.

3. Player Standouts & Development

• Oweh: Scored 20+ points for fourth straight SEC game, compared to Jodie Meeks’ streak. "This has been the Oweh we want." – Matt Jones (06:28)
• Denzel Aberdeen: Struggled in the first half, but hit crucial threes and drove effectively in the second.
• Malachi Moreno: Emerging as a force: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals in 20 minutes, plus a game-winner.
• Cam Williams & Chandler, Yelovich: Key contributors in the rotation-adjusted lineup.

4. Cultural & Emotional Highlights

• Moreno's shot evokes historic UK moments (Julius Randle, Eric Daniels, Reed Sheppard, others).
• "I can’t remember a UK game won on a full-court pass ever." – Matt Jones (04:05)
• The win could be the difference between making and missing the NCAA tournament.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (w/ Timestamps)

The Game-Winner Recap

"Chandler looking, throws it way up into front court. Marino catches, shoots for the win. Oh, he got it. It's a blue!"
– Matt Jones (09:45)

"Oh my, what a great pass." – Billy Reed (10:03)

"Nothing better than hearing Tom and Jack call big time play. Tom getting the reverb on the mic because he’s so excited. Jack just saying 'Oh,' like that’s... That’s great stuff right there." – Matt Jones (10:12)

Emotional Fan & Family Reactions

• Sarah Moreno (Malachi's mom) describes her reaction:

"I saw the ball go in and I think I screamed so loud that I’m really surprised that my neighbors didn’t call the police... Then I called Malachi and so he has on his voicemail me screaming."
– Sarah Moreno (12:00)

• Mariah, a fan at the game and Kentucky convert, shares her evening:

"There was probably only 30 Kentucky fans in the whole place. But that win was huge... We lost it so bad. I broke a nail, and that’s a serious deal."
– Mariah (30:54, 32:30)

Coaching & Team Resilience

"Pope has done something that I don't think is easy, which is to put Diabate on the bench. There are things he adds... But these guys have found a way to make it work."
– Matt Jones (07:44)

"This version of the team is not what Mark Pope thought this team was going to be... but... the rotations have gotten smaller by necessity."
– Matt Jones (07:22)

Caller Wisdom & Kentucky Basketball Culture

• Callers highlight emotional investment, including one who turned off the TV, yelled at his family (Chad, 24:50) and another who watched from the hospital and startled his nurses (David, 47:05).

• Nostalgic mention of radio voices: "Tom Leach is the greatest announcer in the history of sports. The way he calls those big moments..." – Tyler (18:00)

• On UK’s future and expectations:

"I miss having elite level basketball players and an elite level basketball team... They have their moments of brilliance, don’t get me wrong."
– Angus (49:56)

Strategic and Analytical Discussion

Addressing Kentucky's Slow Starts

• Multiple callers and hosts acknowledge early struggles, debating whether it's a personnel issue or a need for tactical tweaks.
• "I do think... it has required us to have four people who can shoot in the game, whoever that is." – Matt Jones (49:28)
• Consensus: The smaller, shooting lineups open the floor for Kentucky’s playmakers.

NCAA Tournament Prospects and Season Trajectory

• "If the tournament were decided today, I think they’re firmly in. I said they needed to win seven more. I think now they would need to win six more." – Matt Jones (06:03)
• This win is considered a "season-saver," with callers and hosts agreeing that it fundamentally changes the season’s momentum.

Community & Fan Stories

Viral Moments & UK Tradition

• Steven Peake’s grandfather, a longtime UK statkeeper, watched and logged stats for this game; his emotional video of Malachi’s shot is highlighted as embodying Kentucky basketball tradition (27:47).
• UK's online communities—like the "Ladies of KSR" Facebook group—are referenced as places to celebrate the win and connect (43:59).

Key Segment Timestamps

• [03:40] — The significance of Malachi Moreno’s shot and comparisons to UK history
• [06:24] — Player performances and rotation praise/critique
• [09:42] — Live reenactment and radio call of the game-winner (must-listen!)
• [11:08] — Interview with Malachi Moreno’s mom, Sarah
• [18:00] — Fans discuss the legacy of announcers and the emotional impact of the win
• [24:50] — Humorous caller narrative of dealing with frustration during the game
• [30:32] — "Mariah from New Orleans" brings an electric, nontraditional fan perspective
• [47:05] — Hospital call-in: the power of Kentucky basketball to uplift spirits

Takeaway & Episode Tone

The episode captures the full range of Kentucky basketball fandom: from tactical analysis and roster debates to the deeply personal and communal moments sparked by a single, magical basketball play. It mixes homespun humor, nostalgia, and gritty analysis in the true voice of the "BBN" (Big Blue Nation). As Matt sums up:

"A game-winning shot that will go in the history books. The Cats take a victory NLSU on a buzzer beater against the Tigers. Cats win." (55:05)

This episode is must-listen KSR: a snapshot of a historic night, an energized fanbase, and the enduring drama of Kentucky basketball.