Celtics guard and former Wildcat Rajon Rondo summed it up best: Monday's exhibition game between his team of NBA players and John Calipari's Dominican Republic national team was "breathtaking."

23,500 Big Blue faithful crammed into Rupp Arena, only to see the DR knock off Rondo and Co., 106-88.

By all accounts, Monday's crowd was one of the best, if not THE best, in the history of the building.  Given this was a glorified scrimmage, and a game on a Monday night in August, it ranks at the top of the list of Rupp audiences for UK games.

The introductions of the UK Pros team, including former Louisville coach Denny Crum, brought the crowd to a fever pitch.  The lob dunk that John Wall threw down in the first house, brought the crowd to a crecendo.

Calipari took note.

"This was like an NBA playoff environment."

There were villains, too.  Former Cardinals players Francisco Garcia and Edgar Sosa (combined for 59 points) brought a chorus of boos during the Dominican intros.  And when former Florida big man Al Horford (17 rebounds) flashed the "Gator chomp," the house roared its disapproval.

UK Pros coach Joe B. Hall said after that he thought the crowd was outstanding and noted the absence of UK season ticket holders as one of the reasons Rupp was rockin'.

Where do you rate last night's Rupp Arena crowd?