Final Four Set In NCAA Tournament

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Published on March 30 2015 6:31 am
Last Updated on March 30 2015 10:29 am
Written by Millie Lange

Travis Trice vowed a day earlier that he wasn't going to cry should the Michigan State Spartans continue their improbable run to the Final Four. The senior guard's vow lasted no more than 10 seconds once the final horn sounded following Michigan State's 76-70 overtime victory over Louisville in a thrilling NCAA tournament East Regional final Sunday. Amid the frenzied celebration, Trice squatted down at center court and began to sob uncontrollably.

"I was actually trying to hold it in," Trice said. "I try to keep it even keeled. I'm mad that I even cried now."

That's when senior forward Branden Dawson interjected by saying that was the first time he's ever seen Trice cry.


Duke 66, Gonzaga 52

Mike Krzyzewski is living in the moment with his youngest team ever, not thinking too much about the significance of his latest trip to the NCAA Final Four. With their trio of freshmen starting, the Duke Blue Devils are going to their 16th Final Four, and a record-tying 12th for Krzyzewski, after a 66-52 win over Gonzaga on Sunday to win the South Regional.

"Just being with these kids and sharing this moment and this Final Four, I'm so happy, I'm so happy for them and to be with them," Coach K said. "I love my team. ... They're taking me to Indy, which is kind of neat."

Justise Winslow, the freshman playing at home in Houston, finished with 16 points after rolling his left ankle early in the game and had a big 3-pointer in the closing minutes. Tyus Jones scored 15 points, while Jahlil Okafor had nine points and eight rebounds.


Kentucky 68, Notre Dame 66

With everything at stake for Kentucky, the Wildcats stayed calm and made just enough plays to keep their unblemished season intact. The shot at history and another NCAA title are still in reach. Andrew Harrison made two free throws with six seconds remaining, and the unbeaten Wildcats made their last nine shots to survive their toughest test to date, coming back after trailing for much of the second half to defeat Notre Dame 68-66 on Saturday night in the Midwest Regional final.

Notre Dame nearly ended Kentucky's perfect season, but the reality of losing in a thriller -- and that its season is now over -- will be hard for the Fighting Irish to deal with, writes Eamonn Brennan. The Wildcats (38-0), seeking to become college basketball's first undefeated champion in 39 years, advanced to the Final Four in Indianapolis next week, where they will meet Wisconsin -- a rematch of last year's semifinal.


Wisconsin 85, Arizona 78

Just call him Sam Dagger. Sam Dekker hit five of Wisconsin's 10 3-pointers in the second half on his way to a second straight career high of 27 points, Frank Kaminsky added 29 points and the top-seeded Badgers beat No. 2 Arizona 85-78 on Saturday to reach consecutive Final Fours for the first time in school history.

The Wildcats twice got within five points in the last 2½ minutes, but both times Dekker connected on arcing 3-pointers, narrowly beating the shot clock on the first one.

"Sam Dekker pretty much just crushed our dreams with that shot," Arizona guard T.J. McConnell said.

 

Saturday, April 4 Schedule

Michigan State vs. Duke, 5:09 p.m.

Kentucky vs. Wisconsin, 7:39 p.m.