Written by Jonathan Barker. Media by Wes O’Dell. [divide] The University of Duke Blue Devils earned their fifth NCAA National Title on Monday night. After what seemed like doing the impossible by ending Kentucky’s undefeated season, the Wisconsin Badgers could not finish the job in a 68-63 loss. The whole game was a very close battle. After a hard fought first half that included 13 lead changes, the score remained even at 31. Duke shot an astounding 50 percent compared to Wisconsin’s 38.7 percent, however, the Badgers were able to stay out of foul trouble opposed to Duke.
[clear] The second half was just as exciting. Wisconsin managed to ride momentum to take a nine-point lead with 12 minutes remaining. As a matter of fact, Duke did not hold a lead in the second half until there was only five minutes remaining. Blue Devil guard Tyus Jones put the final nail in the coffin by hitting a 3-pointer to extend the lead by 8 with just over a minute left in the game. The Badgers make their best attempt at a comeback but their efforts were too late as Duke took home the victory and the NCAA Title.
This win gave Coach Mike Kryzyzewski his fifth national title (all with Duke) since winning his first in 1991. UCLA coaching legend John Wooden is the only men’s college basketball coach with more national titles. This season also marked the 1,000th win for Coach K, making him the first Division I coach to do so.
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Personally, as a Kentucky fan I can only think of what could have been. I can only hope to see each former Wildcat blossom in the NBA and wait for next season. My bracket nearly came true with a Kentucky-Duke matchup. How about you? Were you rooting for Duke to win it all? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!
