KSR Postgame UK MBB vs Troy NCAAT 03/21/25 - Detailed Summary

Release Date: March 22, 2025
Host: Matt Jones and Ryan Lemon
Location: Milwaukee

1. Historic Victory and Coaching Milestone

Matt Jones initiated the postgame discussion with an enthusiastic announcement of Kentucky's (UK) significant achievement:

"[02:01] Matt Jones: It is the local Toyota dealers. KSR post game show the Cats get their first NCAA tournament first round win, only their second NCAA tournament win since 2019 with a big victory this evening against Troy to move to the second round of the tournament second 79. 59."

The crew celebrated Mark Pope's first-ever NCAA tournament coaching victory at his alma mater, highlighting the emotional and symbolic importance of this win for both Pope and the passionate UK fanbase.

Ryan Lemon echoed the sentiments, acknowledging Pope's emotional response:

"[02:45] Ryan Lemon: Well, you said he thought he kind of choked up even a little bit when he was talking about it. Big, big night for him to get his first coaching win in the NCAA tournament at his alma mater, where it means so much to this fan base."

2. Game Breakdown: Key Moments and Performances

The discussion delved into the dynamics of the game, emphasizing the strategic runs that secured the victory.

Matt Jones outlined the pivotal moments:

"[03:13] Matt Jones: ...Cats started out, it actually went, if I may, if I do say so myself, exactly like I said it would on the show. Stayed close at the beginning. Yep, got it to eight at halftime. We kept the lead, kind of extend it back, extend it back. Ended up winning by 20. Really. It was a game, Ryan, that I think were two big runs."

Ryan Lemon highlighted standout performances:

"[04:05] Ryan Lemon: And I don't know if DraftKings had it that that room is going to be sparked by Colin Chandler and Brandon Garrison. They had like every point in that one run. Midway through the second half, Chandler comes off just bombing, bombing. And you could tell when he hit that first one, he couldn't wait to shoot the second one."

Amari's Back Injury: The crew addressed the impact of Amari's injury on his performance, noting missed layups and reduced offensive presence.

"[05:07] Matt Jones: Now we found out after the game that he had a back injury."
"[05:16] Ryan Lemon: ...he did nothing to really hurt us tonight. That's why you have Butler on the court."

Colin Chandler's Offensive Surge:

"[06:12] Ryan Lemon: He's right. When they needed a bucket away went and got the bucket. He carried him a lot in the first half. Him and Andrew Carr kind of carried him in the first half. Second half, like I said, the run was Chandler and Hall, they. Brandon Garrison, who he had another three."

Defensive Strategies and Opponent's Weaknesses:

"[08:29] Ryan Lemon: Their best three point shooter was their big guy, their six, eight guy that they had out there. So I know just. Just to me, kind of a relief. You get that first win."

3. Anecdotes and On-Air Interactions

A memorable segment involved an impromptu cornhole lesson with a local named Kevin Wedgeworth. The hosts engaged humorously with Kevin, teaching him the correct way to play cornhole while integrating playful banter and lighthearted moments.

Matt Jones initiated the interaction:

"[09:50] Matt Jones: ...I'm on the radio. I need you on here for just a second. No cussing, Okay?"

Explaining Cornhole Rules:

"[10:54] Matt Jones: You have to be on the same side and throw it to that side. Kevin, wait a minute. Do you want to. This is a huge audience listening. Do you want to tell them anything about you?"

Kevin's Enthusiastic Response:

"[11:33] Kevin: So you. My name is Kevin Wedgeworth. I am a hard, motivating, independent, driven black man that is trying to put this ball inside of this hole. It's a bag."

The segment showcased the hosts' ability to blend game analysis with entertaining, spontaneous content, enhancing listener engagement.

4. Upcoming Matchups and Tournament Predictions

The hosts discussed the potential future matchups in the tournament, focusing on the implications of Kentucky advancing to the second round.

Matt Jones provided insights into scheduling and predictions:

"[12:47] Ryan Lemon: Very energetic going on. Right?"
"[13:55] Ryan Lemon: ...and make a run."

Bracket Analysis:

"[20:28] Ryan Lemon: That's crazy. Just to get six out of 16. They play Michigan."

SEC Teams' Performance:

"[19:00] Matt Jones: I think the SEC is going to finish eight and six probably if Oklahoma Loses on the, on the first two to two days of games. In my opinion. The SEC had seven really good teams and then Arkansas became the eighth at the end of the year."

The hosts forecasted which SEC teams would advance, highlighting Florida, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M as key contenders.

5. Tribute to Vernon Hatton

In a somber moment, the hosts paid respects to Vernon Hatton, a UK basketball legend who recently passed away.

Ryan Lemon shared personal memories:

"[32:14] Ryan Lemon: ...he was a titan of a man in [Lexington] when it comes to basketball. And he will be sadly, sadly missed."

Matt Jones acknowledged Hatton's legacy:

"[32:30] Matt Jones: That's right. And a big shout out to Mark Pope for taking his team."

This tribute underscored the deep-rooted history and community ties within UK basketball.

6. Fan Engagement and Humor

Throughout the show, the hosts interacted with listeners, responding to calls and integrating humor and personal anecdotes. Notably, the cornhole story with Kevin became a recurring humorous thread, with listeners enjoying the lighthearted deviation from strict game analysis.

Kevin's Cornhole Journey:

"[37:43] Matt Jones: ...now I just tweeted out the picture. Mario, do you have a video of Mario, do you have a video of his pre shot routine?"

Humorous Banter:

"[54:36] Ryan Lemon: I didn't know you had Instagram live."
"[54:38] Matt Jones: But I noticed Shannon playing. Playing Cornhole, and he's actually pretty hot. I didn't know that."

These segments showcased the hosts' camaraderie and ability to keep the conversation lively and entertaining.

7. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

As the show wrapped up, the hosts reflected on the night's victory and looked ahead to Kentucky's upcoming games.

Matt Jones concluded with hopeful anticipation:

"[49:36] Ryan Lemon: Go, Cap."
"[49:37] Matt Jones: That's all I have to say. Go."

Discussion on Next Opponent:

"[57:04] Ryan Lemon: Scotty just tried to block Wildcat all."
"[60:18] Matt Jones: Yeah."

The hosts emphasized the importance of fan support for Kentucky's continued success, encouraging listeners to attend future games and maintain the team's momentum.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Jones [02:01]: "KSR post game show the Cats get their first NCAA tournament first round win, only their second NCAA tournament win since 2019..."

• Ryan Lemon [02:45]: "...Mark Pope should have choked up a little bit... a big night for him to get his first coaching win..."

• Kevin Wedgeworth [11:33]: "I am a hard, motivating, independent, driven black man that is trying to put this ball inside of this hole. It's a bag."

• Matt Jones [33:17]: "We have created an absolute circus hero. I live it."

• Ryan Lemon [24:38]: "Yes, at Troy's best, their point guard really was their point guard... Butler was hanging on by strings..."

Conclusion

The KSR Postgame Show delivered an engaging and multifaceted analysis of Kentucky's triumphant advancement in the NCAA tournament. Combining in-depth game analysis with entertaining anecdotes and genuine fan interactions, Matt Jones and Ryan Lemon provided listeners with a comprehensive and enjoyable recap of the evening's events. The tribute to Vernon Hatton added a heartfelt dimension, underscoring the program's rich legacy. As Kentucky looks forward to the next round, the KSR crew remains a steadfast source of support and insight for fans eager to follow every step of their journey.