CIMPLE – A Curious Introvert's Musings & Photos about Life and Enjoyment

Another fantastic NCAA March Madness Tournament game as Wisconsin defeats Kentucky 71-64 to advance to the NCAA National Championship against Duke on Monday night.  After a disappointing Big Ten loss earlier tonight when Duke defeated Michigan State, it was unbelievable to watch the other Big Ten team, Wisconsin, never falter in their belief of winning against an unbeaten Kentucky team.  Even late in the 2nd half in the midst of scoring droughts and Kentucky’s 14-4 run there was never a sense of panic in the Wisconsin players and the confidence in Sam Dekker and Frank Kaminsky was on display throughout the game and especially in the closing minutes.  Wisconsin had a four point lead (56-52) with ten minutes remaining in the game and Kentucky retook the lead 58-56 with a little over seven minutes remaining.  Both teams suffered scoreless stretches, but when it counted Wisconsin went on a 7-0 run and Sam Dekker hit a huge 3-pointer to give Wisconsin the lead 63-60 with 1:30 remaining in the game.  Dekker then drew a charge and in the last-minute of the game Wisconsin would put an end to Kentucky’s perfect season on the free-throw line.  Kaminsky scored the last two points at the free-throw line to give himself a wonderful birthday memory and give Wisconsin a 71-64 win.  Wisconsin finished the night with four players in double figures:  Frank Kaminsky (20 points/11 rebounds), Sam Dekker (16 points), Nigel Hayes (12 points) and Bronson Koenig (12 points).

Another great night of NCAA March Madness Tournament action and blogging about the tournament has been a fun and interesting experience. I cannot believe the amount of information, analysis and statistics available on the teams, individual games, players and NCAA history. In addition to watching the games on NCAA March Madness Live and using their stats, the Team Stream by Bleacher Report app has provided great information and articles.  Gabby has not only won our little NCAA March Madness pool, but she also has both teams in the National Championship game.  When the tournament started we were dedicated to cheering on a Big Ten team to the National Championship and for a Big Ten team to keep the Indiana Hoosier’s in the record books as the last team with a perfect NCAA basketball season (again, nothing personal against Kentucky).  One of these goals has been accomplished and now we are ready to cheer on Wisconsin Monday night for the other.