Christian Watford’s buzzer-beater lifts Indiana past No. 1 Kentucky

This photo says it all. Indiana AD Fred Glass celebrates the Hoosiers big win. (IDS/Courtney Deckard)

Indiana hosted top-ranked Kentucky to Assembly Hall Saturday for a huge rivalry game. The game went down to the final possession and the Hoosiers knocked off UK 73-72 in front of a rowdy, sell-out crowd. Down two with the ball, Verdell Jones passed to Christian Watford who connected on a long 3-ball at the buzzer.

Pure madness ensued. Watch the final play and celebration below.

and here’s the final play as called by IU legendary broadcaster Don Fischer:

I’m struggling to put the game in words. This is what college basketball is all about: an amazing atmosphere, down-to-the-wire finish, and emotion so telling. This is a lasting moment that I will never forget. And it’s just the beginning. Here’s my attempt at a recap:

Those that didn’t have a ticket to the game were watching at Nick’s:

After the students got done rushing the floor, they immediately headed to Kirkwood and celebrated all night long. Here is a short video of the scene:

This next video has to be the best overall. Watford’s three for the win with Don Fischer’s radio call and the movie ‘Hoosiers’ theme song in the background. Doesn’t get any better than this.

An Indiana basketball holiday poem – ‘Twas the day before the game & ‘Twas the day after the game.

Recommended reading of national writers for an outside perspective:
Pat Forde of Yahoo! Sports – Hoosiers Celebrate Breakthrough Moment
Dana O’Neill of ESPN.com – Catharsis for Tom Crean and Indiana
Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star – Indiana Basketball is Back (I know, not national but it’s a great read)

My friend Brent Yarina of BTN.com is all over it with complete coverage including some memorable photos and twitter reaction from notable former players and media members.

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