Wisconsin Ends Kentucky’s Dream Season 71-64

By  //  April 5, 2015

National Championship Wisconsin vs. Duke Set For Monday At 9:18 p.m.

Wisconsin-580-3
The Wisconsin Badgers avenged their Final Four loss from a year ago to the Kentucky Wildcats with a 71-64 win that ended Kentucky’s dream of achieving an undefeated season. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily)

The Wisconsin Badgers avenged their Final Four loss from a year ago to the Kentucky Wildcats with a 71-64 win that ended Kentucky’s dream of achieving an undefeated season.

Wisconsin and Kentucky both gave it their all on the court in what many will call the best game of the season.

The two teams went into the locker room tied at 36, which set up a dramatic second period.

The final minutes of the second half were marred by difficult officiating decisions, as it appeared Wisconsin caught the short end of the stick on a charge call and on an apparent Flagrant 1 on Trey Lyles.

The Badgers received a break a few minutes later, when Nigel Hayes tied the game at 60-60. Hayes’ shot appeared to be taken after the shot clock sounded.

Sam Dekker
Sam Dekker
Frank Kaminsky
Frank Kaminsky

After tying up the game, Wisconsin earned a massive lead by way of a Sam Dekker three-pointer.

Frank Kaminsky and Bronson Koenig also hit clutch free throws in the final minute to help seal the victory.

Kentucky’s last chance came with five seconds to go, as Aaron Harrison missed a three-pointer from the top of the key.

Kaminsky was one of four Badgers to score in double digits. The AP Player of the Year led the team with 20.

Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 16 in defeat.

Wisconsin will now face Duke in Monday’s National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.