UK’s basketball reputation is not all that is at stake Friday when UK matches up against the University of Louisville. The student body’s reputation is at stake, too.

After UK won the same matchup in the Final Four two seasons ago, students flipped and burned cars and couches. Armed with beer bottles, they partied in the streets. Police were forced to counter with pepper spray balls in a clash that made national headlines, eclipsing the Cats’ victory.

Whether UK wins or loses this time around, students should not embarrass themselves or taint the university’s reputation, which belongs to all Kentuckians.

Seeing your school’s team climb the ladder in the NCAA Tournament is a rare and thrilling experience, but it should never escalate to rioting or burning items in the street.

Burning a couch may seem like a victimless crime, but police and firefighters are forced to put out the fires.

As police and firefighters respond to purposefully set fires, dangers in other parts of the city can go unalleviated, which can have grave, and even deadly, consequences.

Represent UK and the state of Kentucky as spirited basketball fans. And most importantly, don’t become the top story of the day.

No matter the outcome Friday, celebrate or sulk in your own way. Go to a party, head to the bars or just sit at home by yourself. But don’t let things get out of control.

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