Econintersect: Wisconsin defeated Kentucky and Duke ran away from Michigan State in semifinal games on Saturday to gain the right to face off for the national championship on Monday night. Kentucky (undefeated and ranked #1) was upended by #3 ranked Wisconsin in a nip and tuck battle most of the way until the game opened to a 7-point spread in the final seconds, 71-64. Duke, ranked #4/5, cruised to a 81-61 triumph over the Spartans, ranked 22/23.
Wisconsin’s victory denied Kentucky the chance to an NCAA win record with 40 victories even though they were the first to go 38-0. Wisconsin sent them home with a 38-1 record. Indiana remains the last men’s team to finish undefeated at 32-0 in 1976.
As if an omen, before the game Saturday Wisconsin forward Frank Kaminsky (pictured above and below) was named winner of the Oscar Robinson Trophy by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. The award is the association’s honor for the college player of the year. This followed the same award from the Associated Press. Kaminsky had 20 points and 11 rebounds in the win against Kentucky.
Second graphic below is for video highlights of the Duke win.
Go to the bottom of th page for access to a series of video highlights for the Wisconsin – Kentucky game.
Click for series of game highlight videos Kentucky vs. Wisconsin at Fansided.
