Mar 25, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks against Baylor Bears guard Deuce Bello (14) during the first half in the finals of the south region of the 2012 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE
33 Total Updates since March 25, 2012
about 1 year ago Commentary 0 comments
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The 2012 NCAA Tournament is down to the Final Four and its final three games. Top overall seed Kentucky is the only No. 1 to survive and advance to New Orleans for the 2012 Final Four, but an in-state showdown and another college basketball power stand between the Wildcats and a national championship, which would be their first title since 1998 and coach John Calipari's first.
South Region winner Kentucky and West Region champion Louisville, a No. 4 seed, will meet in the first national semifinal at 6:09 p.m. on Saturday, March 31. The bluegrass battle -- get ready for that phrase to get repeated ad nauseam -- pits Calipari against former UK coach Rick Pitino and his Cardinals' stifling defense. Of course, Kentucky has some defense of its own, and Anthony Davis and the 'Cats got the better of Louisville in a December matchup.
On the other side of the bracket, No. 2 Ohio State, the East Region champion, meets No. 2 Kansas, the Midwest Region's winner. The Buckeyes and Jayhawks both downed diminished No. 1 seeds -- Fab Melo-less Syracuse and North Carolina sans Kendall Marshall, respectively -- in the Elite Eight, and have their own stars too. Ohio State's Jared Sullinger banging against Kansas' Thomas Robinson is possibly the best individual matchup of the Final Four, and it will take place at 8:49 p.m. on March 31.
Here's the full Final Four television schedule for the games that will take place at the Superdome in New Orleans on March 31 and April 2.
First National Semifinal: No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats vs. No. 4 Louisville Cardinals (6:09 p.m., CBS)
Second National Semifinal: No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks vs. No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (8:49 p.m., CBS)
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub, and remember to pick up our printable NCAA Tournament bracket.
about 1 year ago Update 0 comments
Kansas had a handful of chances to put away North Carolina in the second half of their Elite Eight contest. And then the Jayhawks slammed the door shut with a 12-0 closing run to secure an 80-67 victory and a trip to the Final Four in New Orleans.
Tyshawn Taylor led all scorers with 22 points for Kansas, and added six rebounds, five assists, and five steals, recovering from a miserable tournament to this point with maybe the best game of his season.
Thomas Robinson added 18 points and nine rebounds for Kansas, and Jeff Withey chipped in 15 points and three blocks, but all five Kansas starters finished in double figures, one-upping North Carolina's deep roster with their own balance.
James Michael McAdoo's 15 points off the bench to lead the Tar Heels were emblematic of that depth, but no Carolina starter got more than Harrison Barnes's 13 points. And Stilman White, excellent in the Sweet Sixteen and the first half of today's game as Kendall Marshall's replacement, ran into a wall late, finishing with just four points and seven assists, and making 1-of-5 shots from the floor.
Kansas moves on to the Final Four, where the Jayhawks will meet Ohio State in the late game on Saturday.
For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub, and remember to pick up our printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on North Carolina, head to Carolina March; for more on Kansas, check out Rock Chalk Talk.
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Though both teams have held the lead in the second half, Kansas seems to have the upper hand in its Elite Eight tussle with North Carolina. But will the Jayhawks be able to capitalize on their leads, like a 68-64 advantage at the under-eight timeout, and move on to the Final Four?
Tyshawn Taylor's play would suggest that much. Taylor's got 19 points on the evening without a single three, and has four rebounds, assists and steals thanks to his all-around play, much improved from less-impressive efforts in the first three games of Kansas's tournament run.
North Carolina's James Michael McAdoo has been the Tar Heels' go-to option, and netted 15 points, but no other Tar Heel has more than 12 points in this one.
For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub, and remember to pick up our printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on North Carolina, head to Carolina March; for more on Kansas, check out Rock Chalk Talk.
about 1 year ago Update 0 comments
Kansas has held the lead for most of its Elite Eight game against North Carolina in the 2012 NCAA Tournament. But the Tar Heels have been nipping at the Jayhawks' heels throughout, and took the lead at 61-60 just before the under-12 timeout.
North Carolina reeled off an 8-2 run to erase a five-point edge for Kansas and take back the lead. John Henson and P.J. Hairston each made jumpers in the run, while James Michael McAdoon and Tyler Zeller both went 2-for-2 in trips to the free throw line.
Kansas, which has gotten a combined 43 points from Thomas Robinson, Jeff Withey, and Tyshawn Taylor, could use another run of its own.
For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub, and remember to pick up our printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on North Carolina, head to Carolina March; for more on Kansas, check out Rock Chalk Talk.
about 1 year ago Update 0 comments
It had to be awkward for Jared Sullinger to just sit next to Thad Matta as the two were interviewed during halftime of Sunday's NCAA Tournament matchup between UNC and Kansas. Sullinger wasn't quite sure what to do, it seemed, so he just stared. And then he stared. And then he stared some more. Straight into the camera with no expression.
Jared Sullinger will now haunt your dreams.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub, and remember to pick up our printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on North Carolina, head to Carolina March; for more on Kansas, check out Rock Chalk Talk.
about 1 year ago Update 0 comments
No one wants to lose in the Elite Eight. And no one on the floor for Kansas or North Carolina seems convinced that his team can lose, which has produced an entertaining battle that the Jayhawks lead, 54-53, at the under-16 timeout of the second half.
Kansas opened the second half on a 7-0 run with contributions from Thomas Robinson, Jeff Withey, and Tyshawn Taylor, the Jayhawks' three leading scorers. But North Carolina broke right back with a 6-0 run to slice the Jayhawks' lead to one point, and there's been very little separation at all at any point in this matchup.
For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub, and remember to pick up our printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on North Carolina, head to Carolina March; for more on Kansas, check out Rock Chalk Talk.
about 1 year ago Update 0 comments
The 2012 NCAA Tournament has been fairly short on exciting, high-scoring games. North Carolina and Kansas seem hellbent on making sure their Elite Eight game, tied at 47-47 at halftime, does not fall into that category.
The Jayhawks have leaned on reliable star Thomas Robinson and the more mercurial Tyshawn Taylor. Robinson's 14 points at the half lead all scorers, and he's been doing all sorts of neat things with the ball.
Taylor, meanwhile, is atoning for poor shooting performances en route to the Elite Eight by rediscovering his jumper, sinking four of them for eight of his 11 points in the first period. He missed all three of his three-pointers in the first half, though, and has yet to make one in the 2012 NCAA Tournament.
North Carolina's first half, by contrast, was a collaborative effort from a bunch of players looking to get to the Final Four and maybe play with injured point guard Kendall Marshall again. James Michael McAdoo scored 10 points off the bench to lead the Tar Heels, a bit of a surprise, but Tyler Zeller and Harrison Barnes got their eight points, John Henson returned from an ankle injury to score six points, so the usual suspects are showing up for UNC.
Unusual suspect Stilman White has ably filled in for Marshall, too, getting four points and six assists and committing no turnovers thus far.
For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub, and remember to pick up our printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on North Carolina, head to Carolina March; for more on Kansas, check out Rock Chalk Talk.
about 1 year ago Update 1 comment
Few college basketball players have had better seasons than Kansas forward Thomas Robinson. And the Jayhawks' star is doing work against North Carolina in the Elite Eight, helping stake KU to a 40-33 lead at the under-four timeout in the first half.
Robinson's 6-of-10 from the floor for 14 points, and has been a force underneath and a terror as a driver. One left-handed double-clutch finish, in particular, was a thing of beauty.
North Carolina countered with red-hot shooting, but has cooled slightly after the Jayhawks called off pressure that Stilman White was masterfully handling.
For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub, and remember to pick up our printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on North Carolina, head to Carolina March; for more on Kansas, check out Rock Chalk Talk.
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Much of the talk heading into North Carolina's Elite Eight showdown with fellow basketball blue-blood Kansas was about whether the Tar Heels would miss injured point guard Kendall Marshall. So far, James Michael McAdoo has made up for that injury and another one, and kept North Carolina tied with Kansas, 31-31, in a fast-paced game.
McAdoo has come off the bench to score 10 points and record two steals, leading North Carolina in both categories. That's made up for the absence of John Henson, who has been on the bench and having his ankle looked at for much of the first half.
Similarly, Thomas Robinson's carrying the Jayhawks: he's got 11 points and four rebounds, and just stepped into a rare three. Jeff Withey's contributed seven points for Kansas, but Robinson's eight shots are as many as Kansas's next three most-used shooters combined.
For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub, and remember to pick up our printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on North Carolina, head to Carolina March; for more on Kansas, check out Rock Chalk Talk.
about 1 year ago Update 0 comments
Already without Kendall Marshall, the North Carolina Tar Heels are now dealing with a hobbled John Henson. Early in Saturday's Elite Eight matchup with Kansas, forward John Henson went down awkwardly while making a move in the paint. As he tried to make a move to the hoop, Henson got tangled up and rolled his ankle, leaving him on the floor in pain.
Here's how it happened:
A short time later, trainers were attending to Henson on the bench as he rested his foot on a nearby chair. It appeared the medical staff was re-taping his ankle, and it's likely he'll continue on. But his injury is one worth monitoring as UNC tries to advance to the Final Four with a win over Kansas.
For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub, and remember to pick up our printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on North Carolina, head to Carolina March; for more on Kansas, check out Rock Chalk Talk.
about 1 year ago Update 1 comment
Like defense? You might want to avert your eyes from the Elite Eight clash between North Carolina and Kansas. But everyone else will enjoy the offensive showcase the Tar Heels and Jayhawks are putting on. After a bit more than eight minutes, Kansas has a 23-21 edge.
Thomas Robinson has six points for Kansas, Jeff Withey's added five, and Tyshawn Taylor four. The Jayhawks have made eight of their 12 shots.
But North Carolina's even hotter from the field (11-of-13!) and has been unable to take control of the game. James Michael McAdoo's six points off the bench have sparked the Tar Heels.
For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub, and remember to pick up our printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on North Carolina, head to Carolina March; for more on Kansas, check out Rock Chalk Talk.
about 1 year ago Update 1 comment
North Carolina and Kansas both have plenty of talent and reason to run. The Tar Heels and Jayhawks are doing that early in their Elite Eight matchup, and Kansas leads 12-10 at the under-16 timeout of the first half.
It's no major surprise that Thomas Robinson is anchoring the Jayhawks: his four points and two rebounds in the early going are in keeping with his stellar season. But Jeff Withey's five points are a boost for Kansas, especially against North Carolina's sequoia-ish front line.
The Tar Heels have countered with a superb start from Stilman White, playing in the injured Kendall Marshall's stead. White has two points and two assists so far.
For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub, and remember to pick up our printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on North Carolina, head to Carolina March; for more on Kansas, check out Rock Chalk Talk.
about 1 year ago Update 0 comments
No surprises here: the Kentucky Wildcats are going to the Final Four. Kentucky beat Baylor 82-70, and the result was never really in doubt as the Wildcats led by 20 at halftime and cruised to a win.
Anthony Davis led the Wildcats with a ridiculous (for anyone but him) 18 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks. Quincy Acy had 22 points and eight rebounds for Baylor in the loss.
The Wildcats advance to face in-state rival Louisville for a chance to go play for the national title.
Here are some highlights from the game:
• Player(s) of the Game: Alien Anthony Davis had 18 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks for the Wildcats, in a typical fill-up-the-stat-sheet performance. Of course, take your pick with the Wildcats. Terrence Jones added 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three blocks and three steals while Michael Kidd-Gilchrist racked up 19 points (on just 10 shots!) to lead the Wildcats scorers.
• Humorous Moment of the Game: Quincy Acy "said it was his buttocks." Sure, I could provide the context, but wouldn't you rather just click that link?
• Scary Moment of the Game: Anthony Davis Injury. Fans of college and NBA hoops held their breath as Davis fell to the ground clutching his knee, but he appeared to be fine and returned to the game. Click that link to get more details about the injury and Davis' status.
• Random Incredible GIF of the Game: Imagine what this insane dancing Baylor fan would be doing if Baylor had been winning? VOTE: Good moves?
• Highlight of the Game: WHERE DID ANTHONY DAVIS COME FROM?
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub. There you'll find a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.
about 1 year ago Commentary 0 comments
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Anthony Davis went to the bench injured in the second half of the Kentucky Wildcats' Elite Eight game against the Baylor Bears, but he has since returned. In the opening minute of the second half, he went hard to the basket and initiated contact with Perry Jones III. He came down awkwardly on his left knee. Jones was also shaken up, but he did not appear to be hurt nearly as badly as Davis. Here's the video of the incident.
Davis was in some very obvious pain on the sideline as he was being treated by trainers.
Incredibly, Davis told the trainer that he was fine. Even though he was in obvious pain, he checked back into the game. Whatever Davis did to his knee, it doesn't appear serious, but it appears as though he is not 100% and he looks like he's in some pain on the floor.
For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub. There you'll find a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.
about 1 year ago Update 0 comments
This is not really a contest. Sorry to all of the Baylor Bears fans and to people who just wanted to see a close-fought basketball game. The Kentucky Wildcats are beating the tar out of Baylor and have benched their best player for the last four minutes of the first half so he didn't pick up a third foul. Scott Drew's team just has nothing for UK, who leads 42-22 at the half.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has 17 points while Anthony Davis has 14, six rebounds and two blocks. Two of those points came on this ridiculous alien-like layup where he quite literally comes out of nowhere.
Kidd-Gilchrist has been downright dominant for Kentucky. Those 17 points have come on 6-7 shooting and 4-4 shooting from the free throw line. Baylor seem to be a bit more worried about Terrence Jones, which has freed up Kidd-Gilchrist and allowed Jones to dish out six assists.
Baylor is shooting 32 percent from the floor and Perry Jones has just two points. Quincy Acy is the only Baylor player who has had any noticeable impact on the game. This is a straight-up beatdown, and unless Baylor can start hitting threes out of nowhere while UK misses layups, there's not going to be a comeback.
For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub. There you'll find a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.
about 1 year ago Update 0 comments
The Baylor Bears simply do not have an answer for the Kentucky Wildcats on defense. Kentucky has been at their best in transition as usual, but Baylor don't exactly look capable of stopping UK in the half court either. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is lighting it up with 11 points, and Kentucky has a 30-15 lead at the under-eight minute media timeout in the first half.
Anthony Davis is Kentucky's second leading scorer with 10 points, but it's a different Wildcat making the biggest impact on the other end, where Davis usually shines. Terrence Jones already has three blocks. Quincy Acy has been effective inside with eight points, but his first half will best be remembered for this flagrant foul that wasn't.
Pro-level flop job by Jones on this one. Acy was called for a flagrant. For...being strong, I guess?
Baylor's shooting 33 percent from the floor at the moment. They were always going to struggle to defend Kentucky, so if they can't hit shots either, this game is going to get very ugly.
For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub. There you'll find a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.
about 1 year ago Article 0 comments
The Kansas Jayhawks and North Carolina Tar Heels both struggled in their Sweet 16 matchups, but both will step up their game as the two top seeds in their region on Sunday.
about 1 year ago Update 0 comments
North Carolina Tar Heels point guard Kendall Marshall will not play in Sunday's Elite Eight matchup against Kansas, multiple outlets report. Marshall participated in non-contact drills with his teammates Saturday but subsequently admitted that his wrist was still very sore. Nevertheless, he left open the possibility that his wrist might improve overnight, which apparently did not happen.
Marshall suffered a broken scaphoid bone in his right wrist during North Carolina's win over Creighton in the round of 32. He underwent surgery to insert a screw to stabilize his wrist and will likely require at least six weeks to heal but hoped to be able to play wearing a brace. His status for Sunday was first reported by InsideCarolina.com and confirmed by CBS Sports.
With Marshall on the sidelines, freshman Stillman White will start at point guard against the Jayhawks. Making his first career start, White scored two points with six assists in 32 minutes in North Carolina's Sweet 16 win against Ohio.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub. There you'll find a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.
about 1 year ago Update 0 comments
The No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels were able to pull off the win in their Sweet 16 game on Friday against the Ohio Bobcats without guard Kendall Marshall, but they're likely to be missing him a lot more when they face off against the No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks on Sunday in the Elite Eight.
Marshall suffered a broken scaphoid bone in his right wrist and underwent surgery to repair the injury on Monday. Despite all that, his status for Sunday's matchup remains a game-time decision. The Fayetteville Observer spoke to Marshall on Saturday. He felt it was not out of the realm of possibility that he could play on Sunday.
I've gotten better every single day, which is a positive. Not just for the game, but for my health in general. If I were to make a huge jump and be healthy enough to contribute to my team, then there's a chance I could play tomorrow.
But he still remained realistic and pragmatic.
As soon as I stepped out on the court, I was like, I'm playing. Then I caught a pass and was like, Ooh, maybe not. I don't want to get my hopes too high and I don't want to just say I'm not playing. Right now, I wouldn't be playing. But I have to wait and see how I feel tomorrow.
Daniel Martin at CollegeBasketballTalk passes along how UNC head coach Roy Williams feels about Marshall's value to the team:
"It’s just one player, but I think this is the best example," Williams said. "I understand the Indianapolis Colts were in the playoffs [in 2010], then they lose Peyton Manning, and they got the No. 1 pick in the draft [after going 2-14 in 2011 without Manning]. That’s how important Kendall is to us."
North Carolina would certainly be a stronger team with Marshall than without him. It appears his status will not be known until game time.
For more on this story, be sure to visit Carolina March and keep checking this StoryStream for more updates.
about 1 year ago Article 0 comments
The Kentucky Wildcats look as good as any team in recent memory, but have a tough Elite Eight matchup with the No. 3 Baylor Bears on Sunday.
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With the last two spots in the Final Four up for grabs, Sunday's NCAA Tournament action will feature some of college basketball's most storied powerhouse programs.
about 1 year ago Update 0 comments
For the first time since breaking his wrist one week ago, UNC guard Kendall Marshall was back on the practice court, going through a few light drills with the team. Marshall was able to dribble and shoot -- a good sign for Tar Heels fans -- but remains a game-time decision, head coach Roy Williams said. Marshall missed Friday night's game against Ohio while recovering from the injury.
While Marshall did practice, he didn't do anything more than a light workout, Williams said.
"Kendall today [Saturday] went through the dummy stuff," UNC coach Roy Williams said. "It was the first day he's bounced a ball, the first day he caught a ball, the first day he shot a ball."
Williams said Marshall did not participate in any of the Tar Heels' live drills.
It's still anyone's guess whether he plays on Sunday, and Williams will be playing it close to the vest right up until the game. Even if Marshall does play, it's a near certainty he'll be far less than 100 percent. Whether that's effective enough remains to be seen.
For more on this story, be sure to visit Carolina March and keep checking the SB NationStoryStream for more updates.
over 1 year ago Article 27 comments
Though most employees at a certain network will argue otherwise, Kentucky vs. Louisville is college basketball's best - and most heated - rivalry.
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