Wisconsin Stuns Kentucky, 71-64, Ends Perfect Season
By Jason McIntyre
Kentucky’s bid to be the 1st undefeated National Champion in college basketball in 39 years came to a shocking end at the hands of Wisconsin, 71-64, in an incredible thriller at the Final Four.
Kentucky’s season is over at 38-1.
Wisconsin led 64-63, and had the ball in the final minute when Frank Kaminsky (20 points) was fouled driving to the basket. His two free throws put Wisconsin up 66-63. Kentucky was a perfect 8-for-8 from the line … before Karl-Anthony Towns missed one. Wisconsin’s Bronson Koenig then sank two free throws, and following a UK miss, it was over.
The Badgers closed the game with a 15-4 run and will play Duke Monday night for the National Championship.
The hero, though, has to be Wisconsin’s Sam Dekker (16 points). He hit a tie-breaking 3-pointer with 1:44 left, then drew a charge at the other end on the next possession to put Wisconsin ahead.
Does this mean the National Championship will be an anticlimactic one? I don’t think Wisconsin fans care. Duke won the regular season meeting, 80-70 in Wisconsin.