The Kentucky Wildcats will play UConn in the National Championship game on April 7. The final score was 74-73 to Kentucky. The Wisconsin Badgers will feel robbed as they dominated the game for large periods. Thanks to two hot streaks in the second half the Wildcats were able to secure the victory. The game will surely go down as one of the greatest in NCAA history.
Here’s what you need to know:
Aaron Harrison Won the Game For the Wildcats
With 5.7 seconds left on the clock, Aaron Harrison put an outstanding three point shot in from 23 feet out. Amazing scenes. The assist came in from his brother Andrew. It was a case of Aaron bailing out his brother who less than a minute ago missed his own three point jumper.
Here's an even better look at Aaron Harrison's VERY similar game-winners vs. #Michigan and #Badgers. pic.twitter.com/dWLXOqJGkI
— Brent Yarina (@BTNBrentYarina) April 6, 2014
Kentucky Retook the Lead Late in the Second Half
With a little over two minutes on the clock Kentucky went back in front by two points. Made possible by that man Alex Poythress’ layup after an Andrew Harrison assist.
Insane Dunk From Poythress
One of UK’s young studs, Alex Poythress, hit a monster dunk, driving into the paint and drawing a foul. With five minutes left, UK needed moments like that. It didn’t take long before Twitter was awash with Vines of the dunk.
I've got a feeling the Kentucky-Wisconsin game is the real national championship game. Kinda like UConn-Duke back in 2004.
— The Half Court (@TheHalfCourt) April 6, 2014
Duck Dynasty in the House
An Attendance Record Was Broken
With 79,444 jam packing the AT&T arena, a new NCAA record was set. It’s the most people to ever watch two games in NCAA history. Nice job everyone.
Wisconsin Responded Like Champions
Not too fazed by the Wildcats run, Ben Brust led his team back into the game with some excellent three point shooing. Duje Dukan finally put the Badgers back in the lad with a 23-foot jumper with just under 12 points left to play. At this stage it was 56-55 to Wisconsin.
The Wildcats Turned the Game on its Head
After James Young jumper made it 42-43, then on the next possession Ben Brust missed for Wisconsin, and Kentucky got the rebound. Dakari Johnson went down the other end of the court and scored while being fouled, he bagged the free throw to give the Wildcats a 45-43 lead. Another possession from Kentucky resulted in an Alex Poythress tip shot to increase the lead to 47-43.
They added two more shortly after, followed by another two free throws, to make it a 15-point run.
The Badgers Had a Great Start to the Second Half
Sam Dekker started the second half just where he left off with a 24-foot 3-pointer. Kentucky called a timeout straight away.
Drake Was There
Drake is there…swoon. Clearly with nothing else to do during half-time, a photog snapped the Toronto-superstar. When he appeared on the jumbotron alongside Johnny Football, the pair were roundly booed….some people.
One Kentucky Coach Nearly Fell Over
This is pretty funny:
At Half-Time, Wisconsin Were Looking Good
Wisconsin are going to take a nice lead into the halftime. The Wildcats have given up four turnovers so far in the first half. Julius Randall showed no signs of being injured as hit a two after a smart spin move with just over 30 seconds left in the half.
There Was a Bizarre Technical Foul by Dakari Johnson
To further Dakari Johnson’s interesting game, he’s just got a technical for a shoven Steve Kaminsky. The result was a dead ball technical. Odd. Check out the Vine above and make up your own mind if you think it’s flagrant or not.
There Was a Monster Dunk From Alex Poythress
A James Young assist set up a wonderful slam dunk from Alex Poythress for UK.
Julius Randall Looks Injured
Dallas-born Julius Randall has just been pulled out of the game for the Wildcats after landing awkwardly on his ankle. It appears as though he’s trying to walk it off around the court. He’s back on the court.
James Young’s Lay Up Was Pretty Cool
Prior to Wisconsin’s great run, James Young hit this great layup. UK managed to snap the Badger’s run at 10 unanswered points.
The Badgers Went on an Early 7-0 Run
Wisconsin came into the game in a big way in the first few minutes. A 7-0 run capped off by a sweet Ben Brust 3 pointer from 23 feet out. It prompted a time out from Kentucky.
There’s a Was Pretty Cool Atmosphere There
Kentucky Scored First & Last
Kentucky raced into a 3-0 lead but were quickly brought back to earth by the Badgers to make 3-2.
Wisconsin and Kentucky are underway! #FinalFour
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 6, 2014
PRE GAME
Wisconsin Coach Bo Ryan just made a touching tribute to his late father, Butch Ryan, who died recently.
The odds as we approach tip off have Kentucky as the marginal favorites. You can get them at 4/5 at Bet 365.
UK fans will be hoping center Dakari Johnson doesn’t bring his golf skills [sic] on to the court tonight:
Speaking of bands, everybody loves the UK band’s drummer:
It’s good see that people still dress up for the Final Four:
Wisconsin band going with sweaters and dress shirts … pic.twitter.com/i5S61Gr3vr
— Ben Roberts (@NextCats) April 6, 2014
The Badgers look ready to go!
Oh yeah. With UConn having already booked their place in the NCAA Final, it’s already time to get ready for the other game! The Kentucky Wildcats battle Wisconsin in the AT&T arena in Arlington, Texas, live on TBS. But if you can’t watch it live, then this is next best thing!