No. 8 Kentucky Eliminates No. 1 Wichita State; Advances to Sweet 16

Image Courtesy of Scott Rovak/USA TODAY Sports

Previously undefeated at 35-0, Wichita State met the 26-10 Kentucky Wildcats in the Round of 32 with a birth in the Sweet Sixteen on the line. At halftime the seeding appeared to be holding up with the boys from Wichita State leading 37-31. But that is why there is a second half. Kentucky outscored Wichita State 47-39 to win 78-76.

As time was winding down and Wichita State trailing by two points, Fred VanVleet launched a three-point attempt into the sky. With an undefeated season on the line, and both benches locked in what appeared to be a frozen moment in time the ball bounced off the rim setting off a chain reaction of elation to devastation depending on which sideline you were on.

As the Wildcats poured on the court celebrating their “upset” victory over the Shockers, nothing should be taken from the Wichita State Shockers who had a tremendous year. In fact John Calipari said it best:

“I’ve been doing this so long. I’ve been in wars, you all understand this was an Elite Eight game. The winner of this should have gone to the Final Four.”