2014 NCAA Tournament: This Was For 1993, Kentucky 75 Michigan 72

Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky’s surprising run through the 2014 NCAA Tournament continues after their thrilling 75-72 victory over Michigan in the Midwest Region Final. They have now knocked Wichita State from the ranks of the unbeaten, topped Louisville in the tournament for a second time and repaid Michigan for a loss that was stuck in Kentucky fans’ craw for nearly 21 years.

When it comes to infamous losses in Kentucky basketball history, a certain Duke Blue Devil from 1992 (who shall remain nameless) is at the top of the list. Kentucky was able to even that score in 1998.

However, the next season Kentucky found itself in the 1993 Final Four against Michigan and its Fab Five. Yep, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson. That Fab Five. Just like 1992 versus Duke, Kentucky was overmatched in the talent department, just like 1992 they battled valiantly and came up just short. The Wolverines moved on with an 81-78 victory in overtime.

The two schools hadn’t played since then.

Both teams lived up to the hype 20 years later as the spectators at Lucas Oil Stadium were treated to another great game in this year’s Big Dance. Nik Stauskas had his hand in everything for Michigan in the first half. The Player of the Year in the Big Ten showed us why as he scored 18 of Michigan’s 37 points in the first half. He did it in a variety of ways too. When his first shot, a three, went down you knew there was a chance it could be a long afternoon.

James Young came to play against his home state school. He finished with 13 points but kept Kentucky in it with his shooting and helped cut into the double-digit lead Michigan had built. The man of the hour, day, and season up to this point is undoubtedly Lee, Marcus Lee, that is. His minutes were increased due to Willie Cauley-Stein being out with an ankle injury. Lee was up to the challenge as he rocked the rim with four put back dunks. He also added a nice driving lay-up for good measure and finished with 10 points for the game.

Lee had a chance to showcase his game when the lights were brightest and the stage was biggest and he made the most of it. His confidence surged with each passing second that he was on the floor. Without him there is no way that the game is tied at halftime.

CBS analyst Greg Anthony explained what he thought both teams needed to do in the game’s final 20 minutes.

He was right on several fronts. Glenn Robinson III hit a huge corner three late in the game to cut Kentucky’s lead to 72-70. Kentucky held Michigan to seven made three-pointers for the game.

One more thing to add to that was Dominique Hawkins’ defense on Nik Stauskas. Hawkins shadowed him all over the floor. He jumped right into the fray and wasn’t afraid to mix it up. Stauskas finished with 24 for the game but only six in the second half.

Caris LeVert was huge defensively for Michigan in the second half. He forced a held ball on Julius Randle at the rim and another one on an Andrew Harrison drive on consecutive plays.

Kentucky could have potentially sealed the deal a little sooner if they had been able to grab one rebound. Michigan went to work of the offensive glass and got multiple rebounds which led to a hard-fought tip in to tie things up at 72 all.

That led to Aaron Harrison’s heroics. He took the hand off from Andrew near the corner and dribbled toward the top of the key. Caris LeVert, he of the huge defensive second half, was guarding him. Harrison crossed back over to his left hand and let it fly. LeVert couldn’t have guarded him any better without fouling him.

Great defense, greater offense. Ticket punched. The Kentucky Wildcats are going to another Final Four.

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