Kentucky continues its steady march: Louisville refused to die. They dominated the offensive glass, and their defense gave Kentucky problems at times. But Kentucky had an answer for every frantic Louisville run, even with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist limited to 23 minutes and nine points. Newly-anointed National Player of the Year Anthony Davis finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks, while senior Darius Miller added 13 in the 69-61 victory. The Wildcats shot the ball far too well (57%) to lose this one against their hated in-state rivals. Coach John Calipari, armed with the best team of his career, is one more win away from his first national championship.
Kansas storms back: The Jayhawks looked dead in the water at times in the first half, down 13 multiple times. Then, like they've been doing all tournament, they played their best basketball in the second half. Some lockdown defensive possessions, 18 points from Thomas Robinson, and seven blocks from Jeff Withey won Kansas the game, 64-62. Robinson and Withey held Jared Sullinger and DeShaun Thomas to just 8-of-33 from the field. Getting this team to the national championship game--by beating two infinitely more talented teams, North Carolina and Ohio State, in the process--is Bill Self's most impressive career achievement. This sets up a national final featuring the two best players in the country, two of the most successful coaches in the country, and two of college basketball's most storied programs. Bring it on.
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