The Kentucky Wildcats entered Saturday afternoon's game against the North Carolina Tar Heels with the top ranking in college basketball. Following an excellent game, John Calipari and his squad have proven that their No. 1 ranking is with the rightful team.
North Carolina Vs. Kentucky Final Score: Wildcats Hold On In Epic Game
“I didn’t realize, because I hadn’t been watching much TV, that this game was being played up like the end alls of end alls,” Kentucky coach John Calipari said after the game.
The game was close throughout, particularly when North Carolina sophomore Reggie Bullock hit a three-pointer to cut Kentucky's lead to 73-72, but the Tar Heels couldn't convert on their final possession to pick up a victory. Kentucky forward Anthony Davis came up with a huge block on John Henson to secure the victory for the top-ranked squad at Rupp Arena.
“I just jumped as high as I could with my arm up,” said Davis. “I thought I probably would (block it). I have long hands.”
Davis finished with a rather quiet seven points and nine rebounds, but that won't do anything to hurt his stock as one of the best prospects in the 2012 NBA Draft thanks to his coming through in the clutch with a big defensive play. Freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist led Kentucky with 17 points and 11 rebounds while Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb added 14 points apiece.
The Tar Heels were given a gift toward the end of the game when Wildcats guard Marquis Teague missed the front end of a one-and-one to give North Carolina the basketball with 20 seconds left and a chance to win, but Davis's defense ultimately led to their demise. The Heels were led by forwards Harrison Barnes and Tyler Zeller as each scored 14 points -- though Zeller did turn the ball over five times.
The game was billed as what might end up being one of the best college basketball games of the season and it lived up to that -- perhaps even exceeding expectations.
For more on the Kentucky Wildcats, visit A Sea of Blue. For more on the North Carolina Tar Heels, keep an eye on Carolina March. Keep up with what’s going on in college hoops at SB Nation’s college basketball hub.
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