Napier, UConn Top Kentucky
ARLINGTON, Texas-There was no second-half rally. No heroic last-second shots by Aaron Harrison. No dramatics at all, really.
Just a steady performance throughout the national championship as Connecticut topped Kentucky 60-54 on Monday night at AT&T Stadium.
It’s the fourth championship in 15 years for the Huskies.
The Huskies got 22 points from Shabazz Napier, who added six rebounds and three assists. Backcourt mate Ryan Boatright added 14 points and each of them had three steals to make sure Kentucky never led in the game.
The Wildcats had made a habit of falling behind in the first half of games throughout the NCAA Tournament and rallying for late victories.
While they held Connecticut to just 32 percent shooting in the second half, Kentucky was never able to catch the Huskies.
The defense of Connecticut was the biggest reason.
Kentucky made just 7 of 21 shots after halftime and shot just 39 percent for the game. The WIldcats also went just 1 of 7 from 3-point range in the second half. Kentucky got within one point on several occasions, but never could draw even.
It was a 4-point game when Alex Poythress fouled Lasan Kromah at the end of a long possession with 25 seconds remaining. Kromah made both free throws and the game was essentially over.
Connecticut made all 10 of its free-throw attempts, while Kentucky went just 13 of 24.
James Young led the Wildcats with 20 points. Julius Randle was the only other Kentucky player in double figures with 10.