CHICAGO -- As Kentucky's stars screamed profanity-laced declarations during a late timeout Saturday, the team's reserves spilled onto the United Center floor and celebrated with them toward the end of an 80-72 win over No. 9 North Carolina.
The No. 19 Wildcats had just bullied a legit top-10 squad and reset expectations after a rocky start generated concerns about the program's SEC title aspirations and NCAA tournament staying power. But Kentucky has embraced opportunities on the game's grandest stages.
Saturday, amid doubts about their potential, the Wildcats sent a midseason message to the field: We're getting better and, maybe, growing into a national title contender.