On the biggest stage of the year, thus far, many of college basketball’s biggest names stepped up their games and led their teams to the Final Four, too meet in Indianapolis next weekend. Leading that group was Kentucky freshman Karl-Anthony Towns.
Towns poured in 25 points to help lead the undefeated Wildcats in a come back win over Notre Dame, avoiding a bitter finish to what has been an incredible season thus far for UK. His ability to get nearly any shot he wants in the paint, especially when faced with single coverage, is a nightmare for opposing defenses.
If Kentucky continues to utilize their dominant big man on the block, there may not be a team left in the field who can truly stop them.
Kentucky’s next opponent, Wisconsin, was led by their duo of usual suspects in Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker. The two combined for 56 points, 29 and 27 for Kaminsky and Dekker respectively. Dekker was perfect from the field and free throw line in the second half.
On the other side of the bracket was another freshman standout, this time for Duke.
Justise Winslow was everywhere for the Blue Devils, creating opportunities from loose balls, sitting down on defense and knocking down the conclusive three-pointer to put away Gonzaga for good.
Duke will face-off against Michigan State in the Final Four, as the Spartans held on for a win over Louisville in the Elite Eight. It wasn’t a pretty offensive performance, especially in the second half, but Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine made all the key plays needed for Tom Izzo and company to continue their improbable run through March.
