INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – 9:15 P.M.
As expected, the opening minutes of Kentucky-Wisconsin resembled a prizefight.
Andrew Harrison started things off for the Wildcats with a 3-pointer. Willie Cauley-Stein added an easy bucket to set Big Blue Nation a-frenzy.
Sam Dekker answered with a 3-pointer for the Badgers. Bronson Koenig added a deep jumper.
By the time the game reached the first media timeout, the teams were tied 9-all.
Remember, the Wildcats edged the Badgers 74-73 at the Final Four in Dallas a year ago. There is a good chance this one could be nip-and-tuck the entire way, too.
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9:07 P.M.
Kentucky has by far the largest contingent of fans at the Final Four, but Wisconsin is not far behind, making for a raucous atmosphere for Saturday night’s second semifinal.
Dueling chants of “Go big blue!” and “Let’s go Badgers!” echoed through Lucas Oil Stadium in the minutes before tipoff. Michigan State fans appear to be rooting for their Big Ten rivals, too, which should give Wisconsin plenty of support.
Kentucky won the tip and Andrew Harrison promptly knocked down a 3-pointer. Game on.
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8:50 P.M.
The Blue Devils have punched their ticket to the national championship game.
Now, it’s up to Kentucky and Wisconsin to decide who is going to join them Monday night.
Led by one of the best freshman classes in the history of the game, the Wildcats are 38-0, two victories away from a historic perfect season. The Badgers and AP player of the year Frank Kaminsky, meanwhile, hope to spoil a high-profile showdown with Duke at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Blue Devils ran roughshod over Michigan State, 81-61, in the first national semifinal.