Perfect no more: Wisconsin ends Kentucky's season, heads to title game

by Isaac Owusu
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

In the biggest game of the year, Wisconsin punched its ticket to the national championship game.

The Badgers ended Kentucky's 38-game win streak with a 71-64 victory Saturday to advance to Monday's title game against Duke, ending the Wildcats' bid to become the first undefeated champion since Indiana in 1976. It will be Wisconsin's first trip to the championship game since 1941.

Frank Kaminsky led the Badgers with 20 points, 11 rebounds and a pair of blocks, while Sam Dekker chipped in 16 points with three rebounds. 

It was Dekker's 3-pointer with 1:44 left that gave his team a 63-60 lead, turning the tide in the Badgers' favor for good. They would close the game on a 15-4 run.

Kentucky was led by forward Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 16 points with nine rebounds, while the Harrison twins were the only other players in double figures for the Wildcats - Andrew scored 13, while Aaron had 12.

The game, however, may be remembered best for a series of questionable calls made, or not made, on both sides late in the second half.

First there was a judo chop by Wildcats forward Trey Lyles, which resulted in a no-call. 

kiop's post on Vine

Badgers forward Nigel Hayes then sank a bucket to tie it at 60, but the ball was released after the shot clock had expired. The play was not reviewable.

To quiet your conspiracy theories, Wisconsin fans, enjoy these two complimentary points

Hayes and Badgers guard Bronson Koenig each scored 12 points. It was the latter who hit a long two-point shot, with his toes on the 3-point line and forward Marcus Lee in his face, to tie the game at 36.

Koenig at the buzzer!!! #finalfour

The win means this set of Wisconsin fans, who came to the game wearing these shirts proudly, must be psychic. 

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Recaps

Wisconsin ends Kentucky's undefeated season, heads to title game

Duke throttles Michigan State, punches ticket to title game

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Highlights

VIDEO: Wisconsin fans pack hotel lobby to congratulate team

Wisconsin-Duke national championship game opens as pick'em

VIDEO: Wisconsin gets away with clear shot-clock violation

VIDEO: Somehow this Trey Lyles judo chop is not a foul

VIDEO: Willie Cauley-Stein meets Frank Kaminsky with strong swat

VIDEO: Trey Lyles executes the classic groin block

VIDEO: Wisconsin's Sam Dekker bullies Kentucky into and-1

VIDEO: Bronson Koenig hits buzzer-beater to tie game at half

VIDEO: Wisconsin's Sam Dekker with the emphatic and-1

VIDEO: Wisconsin's Bronson Koenig shows great second effort

PHOTO: Wisconsin appears to be wearing cummerbunds

VIDEO: Andrew Harrison connects with Willie Cauley-Stein on huge alley-oop

VIDEO: Grayson Allen follows missed 3-pointer with huge slam

VIDEO: Duke's Quinn Cook makes beautiful pass to set up Justise Winslow dunk

VIDEO: Jahlil Okafor is still hurting the rim

VIDEO: Duke's hustle play leads to easy 3-pointer

VIDEO: Duke's Okafor delivers huge putback dunk vs. Michigan State

VIDEO: Justise Winslow with the hoop and the harm

VIDEO: Michigan State's Denzel Valentine raining 3s to open Final Four

Pregame Festivities

VIDEO: Wisconsin’s Vitto Brown sings national anthem with other Final Four school athletes

VIDEO: Charles Barkley struggles to pronounce 'Justise Winslow'

PHOTO: Wisconsin cow has special message for Kentucky

VIDEO: Duke's Quinn Cook holds Coach K's hand during huddles

PHOTO: Group gathers outside Lucas Oil Stadium to protest religious freedom act

VIDEO: Kentucky fan calls ESPN's Kaylee Hartung 'gorgeous' on air

PHOTO: Spartans hang with Magic Johnson, Mateen Cleaves and Steve Smith

VIDEO: Kentucky releases 'Chance of a Lifetime' hype video for Final Four

PHOTO: Michigan State AD rides to Final Four in race car

Michigan State transfer Eron Harris to watch Final Four from a distance

PHOTO: Duke unveils rings for clinching Final Four berth

VIDEO: Jimmy Fallon's puppies pick Michigan State to win title

PHOTO: Massive turnout for Final Four practice

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PHOTO: Duke has custom 'Do Not Disturb' hotel signs

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