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There’s an old saying that this is where the men get separated from the boys.
Nothing was more true than on Feb. 9, 1994, when No. 3 Arkansas invaded Rupp Arena as the last team to win in the facility, a span of 33 games.
Kentucky’s crowd was out for blood, and the Wildcats built an early lead and actually extended it to 39-24 late in the first half, poised to land a knockout blow.
But then Rodrick Rhodes was called for taunting, Scotty Thurman hit two free throws and Davor Rimac canned a quick trey and the lead was back down to 10.
A rally got them closer near halftime and then the Hogs took over in the second half, eventually winning 90-82 in what was easily the biggest win of the season.
Not many teams would get down 15 to No. 4 Kentucky and come back to win, especially not in Rupp. It proved that Arkansas not only serious about winning the SEC, but winning the whole freaking thing.
Florida came to town that Saturday and the eventual Final Four participant would struggle to defend Arkansas as it cruised to a 99-87 victory.
Here are recaps of both games: