The Kentucky Wildcats captured their eighth national championship Monday night, defeating the The Kansas Jayhawks 67-59 to furnish head coach John Calipari with his first national title. The matchup featured a showdown between the two winningest programs in college basketball.
Kentucky controlled the game from the tip and raced out to 41-27 halftime advantage. The Cats received a big boost from sophomore Doron Lamb, who led all scorers with 22 points. As expected, the Kentucky freshmen trio of Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague made significant contributions to the cause.
Kansas mounted a valiant comeback in the second half led by Thomas Robinson’s 18 points and 17 rebounds and Tyshawn Taylor’s 19 points. In the end, the Jayhawks were unable to overcome the early deficit.
Despite a poor shooting performance, Davis dominated the game with his defense, blocking six shots and altering countless more with his length. Davis finished with six points, 16 rebounds, five assists and three steals and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
Fellow freshmen Marquis Teague added 14 points, including a big three late in the game while Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had 11 points and six boards. Assuming they go pro , it is widely believed that Davis and Kidd-Gilchirst will be the top two picks in the upcoming NBA Draft. Teague, Lamb and sophomore Terrance Jones could all leave as well.
Kentucky and Coach Calipari now turn their attention toward landing big time recruits Nerlens Noel and Shabazz Muhammad, who are both heavily considering the Wildcats. As it stands, Kentucky has a loaded class coming in featuring Sylvan Hills shooting guard Archie Goodwin, Northeast High small forward Alex Poythress and Olathe Northwest High center Willie Cauley.
Bill Self and Kansas also have a talented class coming in that includes Wichita Heights power forward Perry Ellis, The Miller School small forward Andrew White, Westview power forward Landen Lucas and Rainier Beach shooting guard Anrio Adams.
Kentucky and Kansas should both contend for the title next season. Both programs demand success and serve as prime examples of what every college basketball program should aspire to be.
