LEXINGTON, Ky. - For University of Kentucky basketball fans who faithfully have visited Rupp Arena this season, through thick and thicker, this is the reward - South Carolina.
It is the payoff at the end of the Canisius Rainbow. Not that a Jan. 9 visit by Canisius lacked drama. The Golden Griffins finished within 23 points of Kentucky - the closest home game this season.
In fact, the average margin of victory in Kentucky's 12 home games is 30.8 points, which is just one of many reasons why today's end to the longest regular season in team history is
creating a stir around the state.
How big is it? Suffice it to say that some churches in Lexington are moving up services so everyone can be at Rupp Arena, or at home watching CBS, in time for the noon tipoff.
''It's probably the biggest game since I've been here, because of the implications behind the game,'' said Kentucky coach Rick Pitino, who is closing out his eighth season at Kentucky.
The implications include:
- The ratings: Kentucky is third, South Carolina sixth.
- The Southeastern Conference regular-season title: The Gamecocks (22-6, 14-1 SEC) already have clinched a share. If they win today, completing a
season-sweep of the Wildcats, they take the title outright. If Kentucky (27-3, 13-2) wins, the two teams share the crown.
- The Eastern Division's No ;1 seed for the SEC Tournament: The winner of the game gets it.
An NCAA Tournament No. 1 seed: If Kentucky wins, it most likely will lock up one of the four top spots. If it loses, there will be added pressure to win the SEC Tournament.
And if that's not enough to stoke the emotions, it's Senior Day with a sophomore twist.
After the game, Kentucky will say good-bye to Ron Mercer, who announced Wednesday that he's turning professional after the season.
Before the game, it will honor the three seniors - Derek Anderson, Anthony Epps and Jared Prickett. Country music star Faith Hill will sing the national anthem. Miss Kentucky Veronica Duka will lead the traditional singing of ''My Old Kentucky Home.''
Then Kentucky will try to get the traditional victory.
It has been exactly 33 years - March 2, 1964 against St. Louis - since a visitor has spoiled Senior Day by beating the Cats.
''It will be a very difficult game for us,'' South Carolina coach Eddie Fogler said. ''But we'll bring a team up there that is playing very well and with a lot of confidence.''
Some of that confidence can be traced to Feb. 4: the day Kentucky traveled to Columbia and lost, 84-79 in overtime, setting off a wild celebration.
For South Carolina, it was part of a turnaround from a 5-5 start that included home losses to the likes of North Carolina Asheville - yes, the team Kentucky pounded, 105-51.
Since that start, the Gamecocks have won 17 of 18 games, setting the stage for a memorable finale at Rupp.
''It'll be emotional,'' Epps said.
