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

Mar 31, 2012, 11:13 PM UTC

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

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.