After an thrilling month of intense finishes that left hearts broken and brackets busted, the two best teams in the NCAA took to the floor in a battle for the college basketball crown. In the end, it was the University of Connecticut Huskies who ascended to the top of the basketball promise land. After a season where they lost the conference championship and their coach, it is truly a remarkable site that they are now the best team in the tournament.
The huskies and the wildcats delivered a tremendous conclusion to the college hoops season. UCONN senior Shabazz Napier had a huge game in his final running as a huskie. He led his team with 22 points, 3 assist, 6 rebounds and shot 4 of 9 from three point range. Others pulled their weight such as Ryan Boatright who put in 14 points as well as Niels Giffey adding 10 points.
As for the wildcats, they had their share of big performances. Guard James Young led the way with 20 points and 7 rebounds. NBA hopeful Julius Randle had a quiet night with just 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Team wise, the huskies shot 41% from the field, 31% from 3-point range, and were a rock solid 10-10 from the free throw line. On the other side, Kentucky shot a mediocre 39% from the field, 31% from 3-point range, and 54% from the free throw line.
With all the trials and tribulations that Shabazz Napier, Coach Kevin Ollie, and the UCONN Huskies went through, they banded together and snatched an emotional wine on college basketballs biggest stage. This latest championship for the huskies marks the fourth one in school history and the second one in four years. Congratulations to the UCONN Huskies: The 2014 NCAA National Champions!!!