The 2014 NCAA Tournament was one for the ages. Let’s take a look back at the 5 best games of this year’s tourney:
5. Kentucky vs. Wisconsin, Final Four
Though it started off slowly, this Final Four matchup picked up in the second half and once again, ended on an Aaron Harrison game-winning three-pointer with Wisconsin up by 2 with 7 seconds left. The Badgers still scored 73 points, losing 74-73, despite Frank Kaminsky’s futile 8 point effort. Here’s Harrison’s game-winner:
4. Iowa State vs. UNC, Round of 32
This early-round thriller resulted in an Iowa State win over UNC, 85-83, that concluded with a DeAndre Kane game-winning layup and a bizarre last second ending for the Tar Heels. Though the Cyclones were without their third leading scorer, Georges Niang, Kane had his best game of the season, recording a near triple double (24 points, 10 boards, 7 assists).
3. Arizona vs. Wisconsin, Elite 8
Without Brandon Ashley, the Wildcats knew that they would have a tough run to the Final Four. Though Wisconsin was the underdog in this game, Bo Ryan’s squad pulled it out in overtime, 64-63, giving the legendary head coach his first final four appearance. Frank Kaminsky lead the way with 28 points and 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. Here was Nick Johnson getting called for a charge in the final seconds of overtime with Arizona down one:
2. Kentucky vs. Wichita State, Round of 32
In a game that went down to the very last second, the Wildcats trumped the Shockers 78-76 in a coming out party for Kentucky’s ‘Fab Five’. Coach Cal’s all-freshmen starting lineup finally lived up to its hype, accounting for 68 of the team’s 78 points. Though Cleanthony Early (31 points, 5 boards) was spectacular, Fred Van Vleet and Tekele Cotton only scored a combined 9 points and shot just 2-10 from the field.
1. Michigan vs. Kentucky, Elite 8
After Kentucky vs. Wichita State was pronounced the best game of the Tournament, the Wildcats came out and played even better against Michigan in the Elite 8. Though Aaron Harrison’s game-winner with less-than 3 seconds left is what will be remembered most, the resiliency of Kentucky to stay focused and make a late run is what secured the team a spot in the Final Four. Here’s Harrison’s legendary shot, the second of three that he hit in March:
Related: Six Players Who Helped Their Draft Stock the Most in the NCAA Tournament
