Final Four 2012, Kentucky Vs. Louisville: Wildcats Move On To Championship With 69-61 Win

NCAA Championship 2012: How Big An Upset Was 2008 Really?

When Kansas completed a stunning comeback down nine with two minutes left against Memphis in the 2008 national title game, it dealt John Calipari his greatest defeat yet, as another of his extremely talented teams fell short in March.

However, four years later, it's hard to call Bill Self's 2008 team the underdog.

While Memphis star Derrick Rose has become an NBA MVP, none of his Tigers teammates have had more than a cup of coffee at the next level.

On the other side of the floor, three Jayhawks (Darrell Arthur, Mario Chalmers and Brandon Rush) have carved out successful NBA careers as major contributors, while four more (Cole Aldrich, Sherron Collins, Sasha Kaun and Darnell Jackson) have been on NBA rosters as well.

Calipari has become known for shepherding waves of one-and-done stars to the next level, but Rose wasn't flanked by any other NBA lottery picks in 2008. Four years later, National Player of the Year Anthony Davis has two future lottery picks (Terrence Jones and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist) helping him in the front-court.

NCAA Championship 2012: Anthony Davis Vs. Thomas Robinson? That, Or Kentucky Zones It Up

It's widely accepted that the Kentucky Wildcats have more raw talent than the Kansas Jayhawks and that Anthony Davis is the best NBA prospect that will be playing in the national title game. However, that doesn't mean that a Wildcat will have the most impact on the game. Thomas Robinson was the country's only unanimous All-America selection and provides a tough matchup for Kentucky.

When the two teams met in a 75-65 Kentucky win early in the season, Robinson wasn't given an opportunity to take a lot of shots. It was an odd game, in which his teammates couldn't buy a basket and Tyshawn Taylor got to the free throw line 17 times. Kentucky turned the ball over 19 times. Don't expect a stylistic repeat in the national title game at all.

For those who were counting on a Davis-Robinson one-on-one slugfest ... don't. Robinson is too strong to be guarded by Terrence Jones one-on-one, and if Davis takes him on, Jeff Withey is going to have a big size advantage on whatever Kentucky player guards him. What's the solution? According to John Calipari, it might be a zone. Really. Select words in bold for emphasis.

"We know how good Thomas Robinson is. We all know. We went against him in New York. He is as good as they get. He’s a vicious competitor, great around the rim, expanded his game. He can make the top of the key 3. Loves driving that thing hard left and getting to the rim. He has become a better handler and passer, rebounds. So we know how good he is. I don’t really know who is going to guard him. We may play a 2-3 zone. Those guys are so big, we may fall into a zone. I haven’t played that very often, but we may do it."

It's possible that Cal is just playing mind games with the media and Bill Self, but the idea isn't terribly far-fetched.

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.

NCAA Championship 2012: CBS Has Best TV Ratings Since 2005

The all-brand name Final Four has paid dividends for CBS so far, as the network received its highest Final Four ratings since 2005.

However, the ratings were only 1 percent higher than last year, when the Final Four featured two Cinderella programs in Butler and VCU.

Kentucky-Lousiville received a 8.4, while Ohio State-Kansas got a 9.6 rating, as the later-starting game traditionally performs better in the ratings.

With four huge schools with readily available storylines competing in New Orleans, television executives were salivating all week, especially for the opportunity to showcase the rivalry between John Calipari and Rick Pitino.

Without any signature buzzer-beaters, ratings for the Tournament are down 5 percent across the board from 2011.

However, with the high-profile Wildcats advancing to the championship game, and giving fans across the country a chance to see likely No. 1 overall pick Anthony Davis and two more lottery selections in Terrence Jones and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, CBS should be really happy when the final ratings come out.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream.

Attention College Students: Don't Talk To Reporters When Drunk

Final Four 2012: 10 Thoughts On A Wild Saturday In New Orleans

Rivalries, rematches and flying seat cushions. Mike Rutherford recaps a wild Final Four Saturday in New Orleans.

Final Four 2012: John Calipari Says He Doesn't Like NBA's Age-Limit Rule

Though he's gone on record with this before, John Calipari said he "doesn't like" the NBA's age-limit rule following his Kentucky Wildcats' win over the Louisville Cardinals Saturday night. This time, though, he was naming names, specifically Duke and North Carolina.

Calipari was asked what it means for a team starting three freshmen to advance to the national championship game, despite the criticism directed at building a program around likely one-and-done players.

"Let me start by telling you it's not their rule and it's not my rule that they can leave after one year, OK?" he said. "There's got to be things done so that that can be worked on. I've said it from day one. I don't like the rule, but it's a rule.

"The choice is you recruit players that aren't as good as these players, or you try to convince (Anthony Davis) to stay and to come back and be my point guard next year," he continued. "That's my options."

"To say they're young, they're the most efficient team in the country. So we're not just rolling balls out. I don't know what's bad for college basketball about it. North Carolina just had three guys leave early, maybe more. I don't know if that's bad for college basketball. Duke had one. That is bad for college basketball? Is it these guys that are bad for college basketball? I don't know."

"All I'm doing is I'm doing what's right for these people, helping them reach their dreams. During the season, I tell them it's about our team. You can see that it is. When this season ends, we'll all sit down and they have a decision on the 28th or 29th of April, and they'll make a decision. It will be about them at that point."

It's clear Calipari is tired of fielding questions like this, but it's interesting the way he's calling out his colleagues on Tobacco Road like that. This might not ruffle a few feathers, or it may, but Calipari's fed up with answering for his talented players.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream.

VIDEO: Kentucky Gets Past Louisville, But Wildcats Have Weaknesses

Kentucky Fans Not Quite Rioting, Instead Disturbing Peace On State Street

It's still not so much a riot, but more an uprising in celebration in Lexington on Saturday evening. The Kentucky Wildcats' win over Louisville in the Final Four sparked somewhat of a street party, but there has been some damage as a result. The "riot," or whatever it is, has been taking place on State Street, where crowds have gathered following the win.

This paints a pretty good picture of what's going on.

a guy in front of me got pepper sprayed so he poured beer in his eyes. And now hes crying on the side walk #statestreet

— Alyssa Sidebottom (@amsidebottom) April 1, 2012

There are a few cars flipped over and at least one with its windows bashed out, as well.

And a few fires, too.

Photos via @KernelAretakis

But, again, most of the crowds are confined to one small area. And when fans pour out of bars and onto the street following a big Final Four win over a hated rival, there's bound to be some kind of disturbance.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream

PHOTO: Kentucky Fans Are Burning Things Again

PHOTO: Why Is Jim Nantz Wearing Beads?

2012 Final Four, Kentucky vs. Louisville: Wildcats Hold Off Cardinals, Win National Semifinal 69-61

The Kentucky Wildcats, the NCAA Tournament's favorite to take home the championship, held their intrastate rival, the Louisville Cardinals, in check, largely thanks to freshman Anthony Davis, who was just named the AP National Player of the Year, led the country in blocks and scored 18 points with 14 rebounds and five blocks. Though the Cardinals put up a good fight, the Wildcats were just too much, winning 69-61.

Kentucky was up 13 points early in the second half, but Louisville big man Gorgui Dieng and littler men Wayne Blackshear, Russ Smith and point guard Peyton Siva led the Cardinals to a big run, climbing back to within two points with 7:34 left in the game. Siva didn't score in the first half, but had seven quick points midway through the second to bring the Cardinals close. Overall, terrific defense and efficient offense brought them back in it.

Then the Wildcats' upperclassmen took over. Senior Darius Miller, the key player for the 'Cats off the bench, combined with Terrence Jones to extend the 'Cats' lead to seven point immediately. Though Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, despite a brief quad injury, and Miller tried to pull away, the Cardinals wouldn't give in.

It didn't matter. The Wildcats were too good, they made too many free throws and didn't let the Cardinals make the really important shots, and John Calipari got perhaps the most important win of his NCAA coaching career, beating Rick Pitino despite one of Pitino's better coaching jobs in his career.

Davis was really the star, but Miller was terrific in the second half and finished with 13 points. Jones finished with six points and seven rebounds, several of which were huge, late in the game. Louisville shot just 34.8 percent as a team, a mark forced entirely by Kentucky's defense. Five Cardinals — Siva, Smith, Blackshear, Chris Smith and Chane Behanan — scored eight points or more, but no one scored more than 11. Ultimately, no Cardinal was able to really take over, and that was the difference between coming within two points and taking the lead and winning the game.

Kentucky will play the winner of Ohio State and Kansas in Monday night's championship game.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream.

ANIMATED: Anthony Davis Puts An Exclamation Point On Kentucky's Win

As Clark Kellogg was repeatedly exclaiming "You don't gotta foul" late in the second half, I kept thinking "No, really, you need to foul, Louisville." Considering Kentucky's bout with missed free throwitis earlier in the half, it probably would've been a safer bet to put the Wildcats on the line. Especially when Kentucky decided it wanted to break the press with ease and put on a dunk show.

So this happened. It's just a lob over Gorgui Dieng's outstretched arm. And it's just flushed with authority by Anthony Davis.

Sometimes, it's not even fair how athletic this team is.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Injury: Kentucky Forward Hurts Quad In Final Four

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist hasn't had his best performance in the Kentucky Wildcats' game against their intrastate rival Louisville Cardinals. Three-quarters of the way through, he has just five points, four rebounds, four turnovers, and he hasn't had his typical impact on the fast break.

Kidd-Gllchrist, to add injury to insult, did a split in this one, hurting his quadriceps. With six minutes left in the game and the Wildcats up nine, but the Cardinals still well within reach, Kidd-Gilchrist was nowhere to be found on the court. He's improved perception to the point where he's considered among the top five picks in the 2012 NBA draft because of his athleticism and effort.

Kidd-Gilchrist returned to the floor with just about two minutes remaining and the Wildcats leading by seven points. If he can stay on the floor and be effective, the Wildcats should be able to close this one out.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream.

Kentucky Vs. Louisville Score, 2012 Final Four: Cards' Lack Of Offense Catching Up To Them

The Louisville Cardinals had the game tied with just under eight minutes to go, but the Kentucky Wildcats are in control of their Final Four rivalry matchup at the under-four minute timeout. It's been four minutes since Louisville scored and nearly six minutes since they scored a field goal. This has allowed Kentucky to build a lead again, and they're ahead 60-51.

The Cardinals are only shooting 32 percent from the field and Kentucky isn't allowing them to dominate on the offensive boards anymore. Anthony Davis has 15 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks, but his impact has extended beyond that. Louisville is afraid to go strong to the basket every time they get near the paint, and that's all down to Davis' influence.

When Peyton Siva hit a couple of jump shots, Louisville tied up the game. Without a few more made jump shots, UK is going to pull away.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream.

Final Four 2012, Kentucky Vs. Louisville Score: Cards Briefly Tie It; MKG Taking Over

Incredibly, after going down by as many as 13 points, the Louisville Cardinals are very much in their Final Four showdown with the Kentucky Wildcats. At one point, thanks to a couple of big shots by Peyton Siva, the Cards had the game tied. Kentucky are back up by four, but Siva will be at the line when action resumes after the under-eight minute timeout. The Wildcats currently lead 53-49.

Siva and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist were anonymous in the first half and in the beginning of the second half, but they're beginning to take over the game for their respective teams. Siva hit his first two shots of the game before drawing the foul that triggered the timeout, while Kidd-Gilchrist has Kentucky's last five points. Both of them had 0 points until MKG hit a free throw with 10:08 remaining. Both now have five points, just two minutes later.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream.

ANIMATED: Rick Pitino Fist Pumps Are The Best Fist Pumps

ANIMATED: Wayne Blackshear Comes Out Of Nowhere For Tip-Jam

After the Louisville Cardinals blew a couple dunks close to the rim, Wayne Blackshear upped the degree of difficulty and finally finished one. His double-pump dunk in the first half was a thing of beauty, and temporarily stopped the bleeding. Perhaps this is his thing.

Why? Because Blackshear again flushed a ridiculous dunk in the second half, continuing a nice spurt by the Cardinals. Out of nowhere, Blackshear entered the frame to clean up the mess, soaring high for a jam on the rebound.

It was enough to get everyone up, and to elicit a "did you see that?"

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream

Kentucky Vs. Louisville Score, 2012 Final Four: Cardinals Back Within Six

In almost every aspect of the game, the Kentucky Wildcats have been better than the Louisville Cardinals. Rick Pitino's team has been OK, but not up to their usual standard on defense. They can't make a shot to save their lives. They've turned the ball over more than they would like. And yet, they are down only six points. At the under-12 minute media timeout, Kentucky has a 48-42 lead.

Louisville is shooting just 35 percent from the floor, while Kentucky is shooting 57 percent. The Cardinals are also just 4-7 from the free throw line, while the Wildcats are 7-11. Rebounding is the only reason that this game is remotely interesting. Louisville have 15 offensive rebounds to Kentucky's two and lead the overall rebounding battle 29-19. The Wildcats also have 11 turnovers.

The Cards have done nothing in their half court offense, and yet, because of points off turnovers and offensive rebounds, they're keeping things close. When the teams come back onto the floor, Russ Smith will be on the free throw line with a chance to make it a four-point game.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream.

ANIMATED: Anthony Davis Is Good At Blocks

The Kentucky Wildcats have the NCAA's leading shot-blocker on their team. HIs name is Anthony Davis, he's a freshman, he was named the AP National Player of the Year, and his arms are like something out of an Inspector Gadget cartoon. When Louisville tries to make layups, these arms and hands present somewhat of a problem. Observe:

His timing is perfect. He leaves his feet before the Cardinal he denies, and he manages to hang in the air long enough to deny the shot. This is why he's predicted to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream

Final Four 2012, Kentucky Vs. Louisville Score: UK Starting To Pull Away

The Kentucky Wildcats look like they might be in the process of pulling away from the Louisville Cardinals. In fairness to Rick Pitino's team, they cut the lead to six points last time this happened, but things aren't looking good for the Cards. Kentucky have increased their lead to 11 points, and they lead 45-34 at the under-16 minute media timeout in the second half.

Kentucky's lead was as big as 13 points until Kyle Kuric made a dunk with 16 minutes to go, but he committed a foul on the other end. When the teams come back out onto the floor, Anthony Davis will be at the free throw line. He leads all scorers with 12 points and he's 5-5 from the field.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream.

ANIMATED: Gorgui Dieng Erases Doron Lamb's Shot

Gorgui Dieng is the only remaining player in the NCAA Tournament who can rival Kentucky's Anthony Davis' shot-blocking ability. Dieng, with his long arns and timing instincts, has proved an adequate adversary for Davis, even more so after this absolute destruction of a Doron Lamb shot.

That's how you protect the rim. Observe how he doesn't care if it's his own player he leaps over/onto to block that shot. Gorgui Dieng don't care.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream

PHOTO: Anthony Davis Is Terrifying

Anthony Davis' alley-oop flush in the first half was good enough. It was already an impressive enough feat. Davis had to reach back and adjust to the lob but, thanks to his long wingspan, he handled it with no problem. And, of course, he finished the lob with a thunderous dunk.

But it gets better. Way better, in fact. Look at Davis' face as he's dunking.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream

Louisville vs. Kentucky: Wildcats Lead, 35-28, At Halftime Over Cardinals

The NCAA Tournament's top overall seed, the Kentucky Wildcats, have leapt out to an early lead over their intrastate rivals, the fourth-seeded Louisville Cardinals. Anthony Davis, the Associated Press National Player of the Year, is leading the Wildcats to a first-half lead, 35-28.

The Wildcats' athleticism is breathtaking, but it hasn't been overwhelming thus far. Russ Smith, the Louisville wing, has been good so far, Gorgui Dieng has also been a major factor for the Wildcats and has almost balanced out Davis, though his offensive polish is not quite up to snuff. Dieng already has three blocks, and freshman big man Chane Behanan has six points and three rebounds to lead the Cardinals.

Dieng struggled throughout the first half, missing dunks and close shots. However, this dunk, which came off a superb behind-the-back feed on a break, may get him back on track. If nothing else, it got the fans out of their seats.

Dieng has been the Cardinals' answer for Kentucky's size and, if he can contribute more offensively, he will be a key factor in the second half. After struggling early, perhaps this dunk off the fastbreak, with a superb assist to set it up, will get him started.

The Wildcats have done pretty much what everyone expected, though not quite as prolifically. Davis has been splendid — he has eight points, seven rebounds and two blocks already — and he's had help from everyone you'd expect. Doron Lamb and Marquis Teague each have eight points. Teague has four assists as well, and that three-headed monster has been enough so far.

Davis -- well, Davis is putting on a dunking clinic so far.

Davis has proved his chops, but Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who has been viewed in this tournament largely as a Top 3 pick in June's NBA draft, has been held scoreless. His athleticism defensively has been on full display, and it would be a shock if he didn't have a big offensive impact in the second half.

Stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream.

ANIMATED: John Calipari Jumps Around

ANIMATED: Anthony Davis Finishes Ridiculous Alley-Oop

Final Four 2012, Kentucky Vs. Louisville Score: Anthony Davis Dominating, But Cards Cutting Lead

Anthony Davis is putting on a show for the Kentucky Wildcats, but his teammates can't stop coughing up the ball. If it weren't for silly unforced turnovers and the Louisville Cardinals' points off them, this game could very well be a blowout. Instead, a Cardinals team that has absolutely nothing going for them offensively is in the game. At the under-four minute media timeout, they're down 28-20.

Davis has eight points on 4-4 shooting from the field. One of his four shots was this one.

How does someone with this combination of length, ups and hands even exist? I call shenanigans.

UK has turned the ball over seven times and allowed Louisville to get within six points, but just before the media timeout, Doron Lamb made a layup and drew a foul on Gorgui Dieng to push the lead back to eight. He'll be shooting a free throw when action resumes.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream.

ANIMATED: Terrence Jones Goes Human Bowling

While his teammate, Anthony Davis, flew into media row, Terrence Jones went with a more safe route as he flew out of bounds. Jones went tumbling off the court under the hoop after a minor collision, but instead of dropping about six feet, he had people to break his fall. The poor cheerleaders were right in his path.

It appears he ran over at least one cheerleader and smacked someone sitting in the back row head-on. He's still got some work to do to pick up the spare.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream

ANIMATED: Anthony Davis Meets The Media

This is one of those moments where Anthony Davis probably saw his career flash before his eyes. While trying to save a ball out of bounds, Davis' momentum carried him off the floor, over the media table and down about five feet. The court at the Super Dome is elevated, creating a scary situation for players flying every which way.

Davis was fine and no laptops were harmed in this incident.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream

Kentucky Vs. Louisville Score, 2012 Final Four: Cats Still Up 10

The Final Four grudge match between the Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats hasn't gotten out of hand yet, but the Cats are still very much in control and it doesn't look like Louisville are going to find a way to score consistently. Chris Smith, Russ Smith and Kyle Kuric have been mostly ineffective, but their defense has been just good enough to keep things from getting out of hand. Kentucky leads 22-12 at the under-12 minute media timeout.

With Michael Kidd-Gilchrist sitting down after picking up two fouls, Kyle Wiltjer has come in for Kentucky and he's playing well. He has a basket that he picked up after grabbing the offensive rebound on his own shot, and he's playing very well on defense.

Anthony Davis has five rebounds and two blocks to go along with his four points, and he's altering shots even when he's not blocking them. He's a big part of why Louisville have managed only 26 percent from the floor 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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream.

ANIMATED: Wayne Blackshear Double-Pump Dunks On Kentucky

There have been quite a few missed dunks in the first game of the 2012 Final Four, but Louisville's Wayne Blackshear doesn't care. He has ridiculous hops and went up for a dunk and decided that the defense wasn't much of an issue. He would double-pump and create his own space, and it was awesome.

Blackshear is just one of many talented dunkers in this game, and this surely won't be the best dunk to come from this. Still, this is pretty great. Nothing wrong with athleticism.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream.

Final Four 2012, Kentucky Vs. Louisville Score: Anthony Davis Starting To Make An Impact

The Louisville Cardinals are looking a bit better than they did in the opening minutes of the game, but the Kentucky Wildcats are still very much in control. Even though the Cardinals are creating decent looks, they aren't scoring. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is starting to make a serious impact on both ends of the floor. At the under-12 minute media timeout, Kentucky leads 18-10.

Louisville forced a couple of turnovers after their timeout and was able to score a couple of times before the under-16 timeout. Chris Smith and Kyle Kuric both made layups and Kuric was fouled on his transition bucket, but he couldn't make the free throw. Though, that's not to say it took away from how impressive the shot was.

At that point, Davis began to take over, scoring twice in the next 30 seconds. What followed was a lot of turnovers and missed shots; Gorgui Dieng even missed a dunk. Some of that was just the result of bad offensive play, but Davis did make two very good blocks. The biggest positive for Louisville offensively has been Wayne Blackshear, who has four points off the bench.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream.

Kentucky Vs. Louisville Score, 2012 Final Four: Wildcats Off To Blazing Start

The Kentucky Wildcats are off to an absolutely blazing start, and Rick Pitino couldn't wait until the under-16 minute media timeout to make changes to talk to his team and make changes. The Louisville Cardinals have started the game in a 2-3 zone, but they don't look like the spectacular defensive team that hassled Kentucky in December and won four games en route to a Final Four. Kentucky leads 8-2 with 17:34 remaining in the first half and they're 4-4 from the floor.

Doron Lamb and Marquis Teague each have two baskets. They're doing it in the halfcourt and transition, and they've both driven to the basket and hit jump shots. Pitino needs to get things slowed down quickly.

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, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream.

ANIMATED: Anthony Davis Gets Down With His Bad Self

Final Four 2012: Louisville's Defense Will Need To Be Otherworldly Against Kentucky

When the Louisville Cardinals met the Kentucky Wildcats in December, the Cards played a spectacular defensive game. Kentucky shot just 30 percent from the floor and the only way that they could score points was by powering their way to the free throw line. The game was ugly, but Kentucky were able to grind out a win due to Louisville's offensive ineffectiveness and the Wildcats' ability to get to the free-throw line. Kentucky Wildcats blog A Sea Of Blue took a look at that game and the Louisville defense ahead of Saturday's rematch in the 2012 Final Four.

When the Cats and Cardinals got together 3 months ago it was an ugly game from an offensive perspective. Kentucky was held to its worst Offensive Efficiency of the season, their worst shooting game, and one of their worst games in terms of committing turnovers. In short, Louisville's defense was able to impose its strengths on Kentucky's offense and keep the game close despite the Cardinals having a pretty awful game themselves on the offensive end.

Obviously much has changed since then. In particular the Cats have become a much, much better ball handling team. Prior to the UL game Kentucky had turned the ball over on 20% or more its possessions in 5 out of 13 games. After the Louisville game that happened 4 times out of 24 games, and 2 of those were the very next two games against Arkansas Little Rock and South Carolina.

Louisville lost that game in December 69-62, even though they played stellar defense and Kentucky put in their worst offensive game of the season. To beat the Wildcats on Saturday, Louisville will need to match that defensive performance while making quite a few more shots of their own.

For coverage of the Louisville Cardinals, stop by Card Chronicle. For more on the Kentucky Wildcats, check out A Sea of Blue. For all your 2012 March Madness needs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NCAA Tournament hub.

Final Four 2012, Kentucky Vs. Louisville: TV Schedule, Game Time And More

The Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats will meet in the Final Four, in what is arguably the most important matchup in the rivalry's 99-year history. SI.com Live scoreboard

VIDEO: Temple Coach Fran Dunphy Picks Kentucky Over Ohio State

In the latest SB Nation media interview from press row in New Orleans, Amy K. Nelson caught up with Temple coach Fran Dunphy to get his predictions on the Final Four this weekend.

Dunphy hemmed and hawed for a minute, but like seemingly everyone else in the country, he's got Kentucky defeating Ohio State on Monday:

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While he thinks Ohio State/Kansas game should be a doozy, his comment about what game plan Rick Pitino should use in the Kentucky/Louisville game was pretty revealing: "[Pitino] is a great coach whose had his team playing well. I'm sure he will think of something."

Final Four 2012: Spotlighting Key Matchups And Advantages For Kentucky And Ohio State

After a week without games, the Final Four matchups have been sliced and diced in almost every way. In the first game between rivals Louisville and Kentucky, the Cardinals' stout defense hopes to disrupt a more talented Kentucky team with AP player of the year Anthony Davis. Sports Illustrated's Luke Winn has an excellent graphic analysis of each Final Four team, and he highlights the offensive versatility of Davis:

According to SI's charting, Davis has 47 offensive possessions in the NCAA tournament, and he's averaging 1.191 PPP, down from his season-long figure of 1.358. His ability to alter his offensive identity from game-to-game, though, has only gotten better.

The ways Davis tries to score in the tourney have varied widely. Against Baylor in the Elite Eight, Davis had 13 possessions and was heavy on spot-up jumpers (four) and lobs (four). He posted up just once.

Kentucky coach John Calipari insists that Davis will be a three at the next level, and much of Winn's analysis bolsters that notion and reiterates his outside skills on the offensive end of the floor.

The second game will feature a strength-on-weakness matchup when it comes to turnovers, as Ohio State guard Aaron Craft is one of the best in the country at forcing them and Kansas' Tyshawn Taylor has been one of the most turnover-prone guards in the tournament so far. Winn has two telling graphs that highlight these strengths and weaknesses, and he also drops this stat on Craft's defensive prowess:

This is my current favorite CraftFact: In the NCAA tournament, he's accounted for 40.20 percent of Ohio State's total turnover production. That includes 13 credited steals, 5.5 uncredited turnovers, one charge taken and one moving-screen foul drawn.

While the main focus will be on the inside clash between the All-Americans, Jared Sullinger of OSU and Thomas Robinson of KU, the second game will likely be won or lost in the backcourt.

For coverage of the Louisville Cardinals, stop by Card Chronicle. For more on the Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville's Final Four foe, check out A Sea of Blue. For all news and information regarding the Ohio State Buckeyes, please visit Along The Olentangy. For updates and perspective on the Kansas Jayhawks, head on over to Rock Chalk Talk. For all your 2012 March Madness needs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NCAA Tournament hub.