Games Better Late Than Never for Kentucky Basketball Fans

Because the Wildcats are on NCAA probation, there have been no live telecasts of University of Kentucky basketball games this season. But Wildcat fans believe a good thing is worth waiting for.

Few Southeastern Conference observers expected much from the Wildcats in their first season under former New York Knick coach Rick Pitino. But after Saturday night’s 98-95 victory over Auburn, Kentucky is 10-7 in the SEC and 14-12 overall.

The Wildcat games are shown on tape delay over a 10-station, four-state network covering Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia, as well as by cable companies in Florida and Arizona.

Jim Host, president of Host Communications, said this season’s tape-delayed games are getting bigger ratings than last season’s live telecasts.

“We could not give away delayed broadcasts the last few years,” said Host, who has been involved with the broadcasts since 1983.

Trivia time: On Feb. 25, 1981, which teams set an NHL record of 84 total penalties worth 392 minutes?

Back in the clover: Billy Turner, who trained Seattle Slew when he won the Triple Crown in 1977, hasn’t had much success since. But he is having phenomenal success with Slew’s grandchildren, all by his son Turkey Shoot, at Aqueduct.

Bamboo Shoot, Skeet Shoot and Cranberry Delight all have won, prompting Turner to say: “We’re alive. We’ve run four, won with three, and another four haven’t started.”

Achilles’ heel: The best way to pitch to the Kansas City Royals’ Bo Jackson? According to the Baseball Analysis Report System, a new book by Bill Welch, he should be thrown medium-high outside curveballs. Against right-handers, Jackson is an .090 hitter in that location--and a .428 hitter against low, over-the-middle fastballs.

Hot corner: Said the San Diego Padres’ Mike Pagliarulo, who stays in shape by playing floor hockey: “It’s a physical game. I usually play on a wing or center, but if I get tired I go back on defense.”

In the bullpen: Former Dallas Cowboy linebacker Chuck Howley, on the throng fellow cattleman Nolan Ryan attracted to a livestock sale at the Astrodome Marriott in Houston: “Nolan always draws a great crowd. But maybe most of them just want his autograph on their hats.”

They’re Badenov: Seattle’s baseball mascot this season will be the Mariner Moose. Given the franchise’s history, perhaps a flying squirrel would be an appropriate assistant.

Trivia answer: Twelve players were ejected as the Boston Bruins beat the Minnesota North Stars, 5-1.

Quotebook: Jack Nicklaus on turning 50: “The older you get, the stronger the wind gets--and it’s always in your face on every hole.”