Coming into Saturday night’s Final Four contest with Wisconsin, Kentucky had been truly tested less than a handful of times. On the biggest stage they had faced all season, they received the stiffest challenge of the year from a fellow one-seed.
For the first time in 39 games, the Wildcats weren’t up to the task, falling 71-64. The win vaults Wisconsin into a title match with Duke, and Kentucky home empty handed after pursuing what looked to be one of the greatest seasons in college basketball history.
38-#OnWisconsin
— Brandon Cole (@Coach__Brandon) April 5, 2015
1991 UNLV, 2015 Kentucky.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) April 5, 2015
Wisconsin. Sharpie.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) April 5, 2015
With 2:28 left on the clock, UW’s Nigel Hayes converted a lay-up, one that may have come after the shot clock expired, and tied the game at 60-60. On the Badgers’ next trip down, Sam Dekker drilled a step back three to take the lead back for Wisconsin.
Equally important was the charge he took on UW’s next defensive series. Both plays displayed the Badgers’ tremendous combination of skill and basketball intelligence. Take advantage of a favorable matchup on the offensive end. Step in and plant your feet on the other.
All the composure previously shown by UK in closing moments of close games evaporated in the national semi-final. Missed free throws and poor shots ultimately doomed the previously undefeated juggernauts, who many thought could be the best college basketball team ever assembled.
A year ago, Kentucky took down Wisconsin by one-point in the same Final Four game, but couldn’t make it two years in a row.
The win sets up an invigorating final between the Badgers and Blue Devils on Monday night.
