- 7/6/2025
2012 NCAAM National Championship Game
Kansas Jayhawks Vs Kentucky Wildcats
#nbafinals #superbowl #nbachampions #superbowlchampions #ncaachampions #wnbachampions
Kansas Jayhawks Vs Kentucky Wildcats
#nbafinals #superbowl #nbachampions #superbowlchampions #ncaachampions #wnbachampions
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SportsTranscript
00:00:01Kentucky the favorite obviously I think the danger for the Wildcats is coming out tight and I think one of the ways you can get loose and I think Kentucky has to play fast and loose that's when they're at their best. One of the ways to do that is to double team the post and activate your defense on the weak side. I wouldn't be surprised if maybe they said a double team Robinson's way to try to get going early. The stage is set and here we go.
00:00:23Kansas wears the blue away uniforms and Kentucky gets to wear the hard whites as the better seed the number one overall seed of this tournament. Here is Taylor really at a three tonight as a main one in the entire tournament driving it for a two and gets a generous roll off the rim for an opening basket. Already you see Michael Kidd Gilchrist as is often the case defending the opponent's point guard. Because of his versatility his length his quickness John Calipari likes him to play.
00:00:53He likes to put him at the point of attack defensively.
00:01:01Talking about two of the best defensive teams if not the two best all year long.
00:01:06And there is block number one for Withey.
00:01:12Well three more of these and according to Kenny Smith Kansas is going to win.
00:01:16He said Withey needs four and I think there's no doubt his defensive presence in the middle is the key to this team.
00:01:23And what they've done to get this far.
00:01:24Just seven on the shot clock. He had seven blocks.
00:01:28Saturday.
00:01:29That's an air ball. Withey chases it down.
00:01:31The seven blocks by Withey.
00:01:32An NCAA national semifinal game record.
00:01:36And he had ten blocks in an early tournament win against NC State.
00:01:41Rutherford gets the baseline and missed a short shot.
00:01:44Made a beautiful move.
00:01:45Couldn't finish.
00:01:45David's got over there to bother him a bit.
00:01:48And that's where Kentucky is lethal.
00:01:51Hard foul by Jeff Richter.
00:01:54And a tough ball.
00:01:55Oh shit.
00:01:56Michael Kidd Gilchrist.
00:01:57And you can hear pain and frustration.
00:02:01And clutching his right shoulder.
00:02:03And teammates come over to pull him back up.
00:02:15And John Calipari is asking the officials if they're going to take a look at a potential flagrant one.
00:02:21I think it was Elijah Johnson.
00:02:23It was Steve.
00:02:24Boy he has slump shouldered here.
00:02:26His kid Gilchrist.
00:02:27I think as he was going up to try to get that layup he got his shoulder wrenched.
00:02:31Got it pulled back there.
00:02:33Jim.
00:02:34I thought it was a clean attempt by Elijah Johnson to get to the ball.
00:02:38And it was an awkward spiel.
00:02:40I think it's just a common foul.
00:02:43And glad to see that Michael Kidd Gilchrist is up.
00:02:46And seems to be okay.
00:02:48Yeah just steps up and rips the nets with his first free throw.
00:02:52Vern Harris.
00:02:53Mark Whitehead.
00:02:55And Mike Stewart.
00:02:57With the honor of officiating the national championship game.
00:03:01Second one way off.
00:03:03And Robinson clears it for Kansas.
00:03:05We'll have to keep an eye on Gilchrist.
00:03:07He's clearly favoring that arm.
00:03:09You can see right there as he defends Taylor.
00:03:14Terrence Jones starts out on Thomas Robinson.
00:03:17That's a little deep to allow him to catch it.
00:03:19Put back.
00:03:21They say tie up and it's going to Kentucky.
00:03:23So before the basket.
00:03:28They said held ball long enough.
00:03:31Deep post position here for Robinson.
00:03:34Denial by Terrence Jones.
00:03:36We talk about the ability of Anthony Davis to deny shots.
00:03:39And he's the nation's best.
00:03:41But Terrence Jones is an excellent shot blocker as well.
00:03:44And Robinson's going to accept some shot blocks.
00:03:46There's going to be some offensive rebounding possibilities if he goes down there anyway.
00:03:52And that shot drops for Jones.
00:03:56Beautiful move in there, Tim.
00:03:57He went to his right hand and got it up and down.
00:04:02Johnson with a three.
00:04:03That's perfect.
00:04:04You know, guys, last week against North Carolina, I thought Kansas came out the loosest they have all tournament.
00:04:11You think about the Jayhawk program, the burden they have on their shoulders.
00:04:14All the NCAA tournament losses early on.
00:04:17Northern Iowa, Bucknell, Bradley, last year VCU.
00:04:20I think they relish the role of, for once, being the underdog here tonight.
00:04:24It's nice to have the script flipped.
00:04:27That's for sure.
00:04:28Davis will take his first shot.
00:04:30And it goes out.
00:04:32And you heard Bill Self in that moment in the locker room saying,
00:04:36Hey, all the pressure's on them.
00:04:38Can we have even played our best game in the tournament yet?
00:04:40Robinson off on the jumper.
00:04:41Pulled down by Davis.
00:04:43Kentucky spreading ahead.
00:04:45Teague.
00:04:45No one cuts him off.
00:04:46He takes it all the way to the hole.
00:04:48Young fella.
00:04:49He has been superb all tournament long.
00:04:52Picking his spots as to win the goal and win the hole.
00:04:56He did an excellent job using that strength to get all the way to the rim, rack to rack.
00:05:00He did that the first two possessions of the Louisville game on Saturday.
00:05:04But didn't score in the second half.
00:05:05Right up there, too high to that.
00:05:07And that's reaching in on Robinson.
00:05:12And that's a bad foul.
00:05:13I mean, he had no chance at that rebound.
00:05:15We saw that the other night against Ohio State.
00:05:18He picked up that cheap one early on.
00:05:20I think Robinson has a tendency to be so excited that he has to settle himself down.
00:05:25But that's big because Kansas is very thin on that front line.
00:05:28I agree.
00:05:29And sometimes you have to idle yourself down just a notch.
00:05:33There's a real fine line between being fully engaged, emotional, and intent, and not going too far with that.
00:05:41As Teague hitting the jumper.
00:05:42So he scores on a coast-to-coast layup and then shows an outside game.
00:05:49Don't forget, Robinson also fouled out only two games this year.
00:05:53But one of them was that matchup against Kentucky back in November.
00:05:56With him.
00:05:57They leave him alone and go inside.
00:05:59And there is Robinson.
00:06:00Pass to the wing and land on the way.
00:06:09No.
00:06:11Take out Davis.
00:06:13On the side.
00:06:14Lost the handle.
00:06:15Off the floor.
00:06:17Robinson's there.
00:06:19This time the arrow will go back to Kansas.
00:06:23Good activity here coming up.
00:06:28Trying to get this loose ball.
00:06:32And ultimately, Kansas will retain possession.
00:06:37Kansas will send Robinson to the bench.
00:06:40As we're moving in on that under-16 timeout.
00:06:42Give him a few extra seconds of a breather here.
00:06:45Kevin Young comes in for him.
00:06:47Number 40.
00:06:49Jones goes to the bench.
00:06:50Calipari matching up small for small with Young on the floor.
00:06:55He will go with Miller to match up.
00:06:57So very small lineups for both clubs here.
00:07:00And Ken Gilchrist, by the way, been watching him the last couple of trips.
00:07:03He appears to be just fine.
00:07:05After that early spill.
00:07:06Taylor floats.
00:07:07And that is denied.
00:07:09Trying to go to Withey.
00:07:10Davis saw it coming.
00:07:11Here is Teague.
00:07:13Ken Gilchrist.
00:07:14Yes, indeed.
00:07:15He's fine.
00:07:17Racing up ahead.
00:07:18It's Taylor.
00:07:19What?
00:07:19That time, it's Davis.
00:07:21Hey, Kentucky again.
00:07:23All the way down with Lamb for two more.
00:07:28Furious pace here as Johnson goes outside.
00:07:38With it.
00:07:40That's Miller who defended.
00:07:41Guys, Kansas has to figure out the tempo that we should need to play.
00:07:49They've got to run, but they have to do so at the right time.
00:07:52This can't be a track meter.
00:07:53They have no chance.
00:07:56They've had to go now.
00:07:58A little more than a minute without Rondon before.
00:08:00Here's Taylor's shot.
00:08:01And it hits the dead spot on the back of the rim.
00:08:04And he hits a jump shot.
00:08:06Over the outstretched arm of Anthony Davis there, Jim.
00:08:11And a slow thumbs up a tad.
00:08:13Actually, both teams a little spent.
00:08:15Usually teams are prepared to go a hard four, four and a half minutes without a break.
00:08:21Lamb hits the two-point shot.
00:08:23Deron Lamb who led them in the game against Kansas with 17 points.
00:08:32It was a 10-point victory by the Wildcats in New York.
00:08:38Got to really be ready to block out Kevin Young on the board.
00:08:42We'll get a foul there and a break in the action finally.
00:08:45Foul on Miller.
00:08:48A little block party going on here in New Orleans at the start.
00:08:53Kentucky, up four.
00:09:02KU-UK.
00:09:03So much history with these iconic programs.
00:09:07And these coaches, this is a title game rematch they met four years ago in San Antonio
00:09:12when Calipari was coaching Memphis.
00:09:15Self won the title that night as they came back from nine down to Jayhawks with 2-11 to play.
00:09:20One in an overtime.
00:09:23And they both have so many ties together.
00:09:27You know, Calipari going back to Coach Owens kind of getting his start as a volunteer at Kansas.
00:09:33And then after graduation at Oklahoma State, Bill Self got invited to be an assistant coach for Larry Brown.
00:09:38Larry Brown, a strong connection between both of these men.
00:09:41Exactly, Jim.
00:09:42And you talk about parallel careers.
00:09:45Bill Self and John Calipari have been remarkably successful at each of their coaching stops.
00:09:52I mean, Calipari started at UMass and then Memphis.
00:09:56And now here, Bill Self, Oral Roberts, Tulsa.
00:10:00Young misses two free throws as Teague misses to Jones for the dunk.
00:10:11One of the things that's happened early is Kansas is so intent on keeping a body on Anthony Davis
00:10:18that they're not sliding that big over to Teague on the penetration.
00:10:22So Teague has had lanes to get to the hoop.
00:10:26So the point of attack defense has to get better for Kansas if you're going to do that on the back line.
00:10:32And you've got to contain the ball better.
00:10:34That is withy fighting for it, missing the follow-up.
00:10:37And Jones with the release pass to Lane.
00:10:40He's taking it right in.
00:10:43And you can see the net was touched.
00:10:47It's out of position.
00:10:48He's wanting them to say basket interference on the shot as well as the foul.
00:10:53Well, that's a legitimate question, Jim.
00:10:55There's the foul on Relaford.
00:10:56And here comes Taylor.
00:10:58And he's up inside the cylinder.
00:11:01Yep.
00:11:01That should be, that should have been a basket.
00:11:04Well, they're not going to give it to him.
00:11:07And calling the foul, as you said, on Relaford, his first.
00:11:11Now, even if he hadn't touched the ball, he's not allowed to touch the rim as it's going up.
00:11:16So either way, that basket should have counted.
00:11:19Basket interference, this should have been an and-one opportunity instead of two free throws.
00:11:30Young comes out.
00:11:31Robinson was ready to check in for him.
00:11:34Had Young hit his second free throw.
00:11:35And they've also brought back onto the floor a senior who hit a shot from three-point land.
00:11:43Connor Tehan in the game against Ohio State on Saturday.
00:11:48Number two.
00:11:50Number one, Jay Hawk, who has a national championship ring.
00:11:53He actually played back in that final four in the summer, final game against North Carolina.
00:11:58Here he is handling it now.
00:12:01Well, Jim, one of the questions of many was, could Kansas afford a slow start and find its way back against this Kentucky team?
00:12:10We're going to find out now.
00:12:12Kansas has been able to come from behind multiple times in this tournament.
00:12:16And this is a good start in trying to get back into this one.
00:12:21And as Withey going to the line to try to complete a three-point play.
00:12:27Foul on Terrence Jones' first.
00:12:29Well, big basket here at Fort Withey because you mentioned the slow start, Clark.
00:12:33Look at the first few games of the tournament for this Jayhawk club.
00:12:38They're down 11-3 to Purdue, 13-3 to NC State, 28-15 against Ohio State the other night.
00:12:44So, it's been a pattern, but they haven't played Kentucky yet.
00:12:47You don't want to fall too far behind Kentucky.
00:12:49This is a different score.
00:12:51Withey, an outstanding free-throw shooter at around 80%.
00:12:54I think it's going to be important for him to get scores at the basket.
00:12:58But on occasion, I think Kansas should try to give him a mid-range jump shot opportunity as well
00:13:02to see if Anthony Davis will come out and get outside of that rain to defend him.
00:13:08Meanwhile, Calipari has gone with Kid Gilcrest because of the tee-hand matchup.
00:13:14Tried to post him up, but couldn't get it to him.
00:13:16And as a result, at the end of the possession, Withey with the big block.
00:13:20I love the way he moves.
00:13:21He has really improved his movement to chase down blocks from the top of the lane down to the basket area.
00:13:29That was an example right there.
00:13:31His second block.
00:13:34And Lamb lost it off his leg.
00:13:36He was trying to go somewhere where there was no room.
00:13:40And that's the first turnover of the night against the Wildcats.
00:13:43They squeezed the orange pretty well on the season.
00:13:46Just about 12 turnovers per game for Kentucky.
00:13:54Robinson.
00:13:55Locked from behind by Davis.
00:13:57Just what you thought it might be an easy basket.
00:14:00But Gilcrest is then bumped on the shot by Withey.
00:14:06Tomorrow night, the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship concludes.
00:14:10Baylor and Notre Dame battle for the national championship.
00:14:13And coverage on ESPN begins at 8.30.
00:14:16For more information on the Women's National Championship, go to NCAA.com.
00:14:21First foul on Withey and it's Kid Gilchrist again at the line.
00:14:26So Withey and Robinson with one each.
00:14:30We'll see how Bill Self plays it.
00:14:32He's really tried to mix and match.
00:14:34He's going to take Withey out here.
00:14:35Good move.
00:14:36Justin Wesley will come in.
00:14:38And instead of Young, Wesley, the bigger reserve frontcourt player for the Jayhawks,
00:14:43wants to match up with that Kentucky size.
00:14:45Yeah, Wesley, 6'9", sophomore from Fort Worth, Texas.
00:14:48As Kid Gilchrist gets two.
00:14:50And here comes Kyle Wilcher onto the floor for Kentucky.
00:14:54Five points off the bench against Louisville.
00:14:58You know, the last four tournament games, too, Wilcher's taken one three-point shot.
00:15:02He's made it each time.
00:15:03He's an outstanding shooter.
00:15:05As he's shown all season long.
00:15:07And he maximizes his playing time, which is what you want from bench players.
00:15:12A lot of production and short playing time steps.
00:15:16Bounce pass.
00:15:17As he said, not going to be stopped this time.
00:15:20Great pass by Taylor.
00:15:23Well, Davis goes to the bench for a rest.
00:15:26And Kansas takes advantage immediately.
00:15:29And this is why Wilcher doesn't play big minutes.
00:15:31He's so good offensively.
00:15:33He spaces the floor with that shooting.
00:15:35But Kentucky takes the dip defensively when he comes into the frontcourt.
00:15:40Quick question here by Kansas.
00:15:47Let him run!
00:15:53Tick.
00:15:55Tap down high, and Miller has it for Kentucky.
00:15:59There's Wilcher.
00:15:59Taylor comes up with a little pressure on T.
00:16:09Trying to post Darius Miller.
00:16:11They love to post Darius Miller because he's typically bigger and stronger than any guard that tries to defend him.
00:16:18Right now being defended by Liza Johnson.
00:16:23Jones wanted it.
00:16:24Called for him.
00:16:25He wants to make two.
00:16:26And he absolutely delivers.
00:16:31He was calling for it.
00:16:33Robinson was afraid to pick up that second foul.
00:16:36He just knew it did not play with any aggressiveness on that possession.
00:16:39There, he took himself right out of it, Steve.
00:16:41He's got to hold this position silently without reaching with his hands.
00:16:45And again, Kentucky defends down low.
00:16:53Three on two.
00:16:54Miller feeds Kit Gilchrist.
00:16:57Who waits.
00:16:59And hits the shot and hits the floor for a second time tonight.
00:17:03He banged his head that time.
00:17:04But he seems okay.
00:17:07And Kentucky on a big-time roll right now.
00:17:11Biggest lead of the night so far.
00:17:12Nine.
00:17:13Three.
00:17:28Kansas is down by nine.
00:17:29But if they're going to get back into it, plays like this.
00:17:33Pick and roll between Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson will give them a chance.
00:17:38Solid screen.
00:17:39Little pocket pass.
00:17:41And at the rim is Thomas Robinson for two.
00:17:49Kansas to inbound.
00:17:50And you see Davis back on the floor.
00:17:52He's the only Kentucky starter who has not scored so far.
00:17:55And they've got seven by Kidd Gilchrist.
00:17:59Six by Lamb.
00:18:00Jones also has six.
00:18:02Davis does have four rebounds, Jim.
00:18:05And that's a key stat because John Calipari was really upset with his club.
00:18:10And it's rebounding effort against Louisville.
00:18:12They gave up 19 offensive boards against the Cardinals.
00:18:15We're going to have a much better job here tonight.
00:18:18Rebounding candles by seven so far.
00:18:20A couple of blocks also by Davis.
00:18:22Well, his hands are always all over the game.
00:18:25Whether he scores or not.
00:18:28His activity, his length, his IQ, all of that keeps him engaged and impacting the game.
00:18:34Whether he scores or not.
00:18:36That is a three by Relaford.
00:18:38Comes off a 15-point game against Ohio State.
00:18:41I think there's going to be a lot of moments in this game, guys, where Kansas is going to have to respond.
00:18:49They responded with that Relaford three.
00:18:50Ball is going to stay with Kentucky halfway through the first half.
00:18:58championship night.
00:19:10championship night.
00:19:10Jim Nance with Clark Kellogg and Steve Kerr.
00:19:12And that's the category that you're noticing the most, Clark, huh?
00:19:162-1 in rebounding for Kentucky after they struggled to rebound against Louisville Saturday.
00:19:22Meanwhile, Kansas out rebounded by Ohio State by 12.
00:19:27And that's one nice tipsy-doo move by Teague.
00:19:32Oh, how was Teague that wide open on that particular play?
00:19:50Meanwhile, Johnson's three rattles out.
00:19:53Somebody went to sleep defensively for Kansas on that last possession.
00:19:57So it was a beautifully executed play by Kentucky, kind of setting up that back door by clearing the weak side.
00:20:04Did Gilchrist.
00:20:05It's the jump shot.
00:20:07Was on the three-point line.
00:20:09He's got nine points.
00:20:12Two-point shot.
00:20:13You kind of thought he'd come out and play well after the foul trouble the other night.
00:20:16So frustrating for him.
00:20:17Davis now with the rebound.
00:20:19But Gilchrist really coming up.
00:20:23Jones traveled.
00:20:25And he is in pain.
00:20:26Yeah, he may have wrenched his ankle there because he certainly fell awkwardly without anybody around.
00:20:35Let's take a look.
00:20:36He's going to come down.
00:20:37You take a look.
00:20:39Right there, he turned it.
00:20:40There you see it.
00:20:42And he is up walking, though.
00:20:45Walking it off.
00:20:47And refusing to look in the direction of the bench.
00:20:50Well, and Cal Perry doesn't want to look at him either because Jones needs to guard Thomas Robinson.
00:20:54Well, here's another angle, and it's a real tough turnover of that ankle.
00:21:00But the best thing is to continue to stay out there while the adrenaline is going.
00:21:03Try to walk it off because if you sit, it very well could stiffen up.
00:21:09So a double-digit lead.
00:21:11Kansas has come back from double-digit deficits already three times in the tournament.
00:21:16including 13 down on five occasions in the first half.
00:21:22He's withy.
00:21:24He's able to stay strong and bank it in.
00:21:27Kansas just has to hang around.
00:21:29You know, it's okay that they're down six or eight, even ten, but they've got to respond every time they're threatened.
00:21:35They've been able to do it so far.
00:21:37They've got to do it throughout this game.
00:21:40That's an excellent point.
00:21:42And it speaks to the fact that you have to have the ability to score against this very balanced and high-octane Kentucky team.
00:21:50Because you're not going to simply be able to stop this team because of all the weapons.
00:21:55So you have to respond with points.
00:21:56Coming up, AT&T at the half.
00:22:00Greg Gubble, Greg Anthony, Seth Davis, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley with a breakdown of the first half.
00:22:05And Clark with his White House interview with President Obama.
00:22:10Plus the awarding of the Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T to the player of the year.
00:22:14It's all coming up on AT&T at the half.
00:22:18That foul is on Relaford, his second.
00:22:20How was it being back at the White House again?
00:22:23A fabulous experience, as sweet and as special as the first time I had that privilege, Jim.
00:22:28And to spend time with our president, Mr. Obama, who loves and knows basketball passionately and at a high level.
00:22:36It was one of the special treats of my life.
00:22:39Of course, he was at the first, the very first game of this tournament in Dayton.
00:22:44With Prime Minister Cameron from the UK.
00:22:46And you interviewed him there.
00:22:48So, here we are in Game 67 now.
00:22:50I'm hopeful that our president is able to be tuned in.
00:22:55Because he mentioned to me that he was going to be in town.
00:22:58And hopefully he's able to watch some of this on the night.
00:23:01Robinson.
00:23:03And that is blocked.
00:23:05What a beauty it was for the third time tonight.
00:23:08Davis able to send it away.
00:23:10Kentucky really playing at a high level, Steve.
00:23:18Frisk, solid execution.
00:23:21And I thought that would be the case after a little bit of a sub-power effort on Saturday.
00:23:28Miller's three-point shot was halfway down.
00:23:30Rebounded by Withy.
00:23:32South.
00:23:33Well, Kansas, I think, has a decision to make.
00:23:36Do they go for the offensive rebounds as they do here?
00:23:39Or do they really focus on getting back defensively?
00:23:42It's a bit of a laundry because Kentucky's so lethal in this situation.
00:23:47This is Teague with a three.
00:23:49Teague.
00:23:50He's doing it all over the floor.
00:23:53He's driven.
00:23:54He's done his little dipsy-doo move.
00:23:55He's hit a couple of jumpers and this one a three.
00:23:59He's got nine on the night.
00:24:02And now the biggest lead of the night is 12.
00:24:07Well, Anthony Davis helped set it up and helped rev up the Wildcat Express.
00:24:13He has actually just set the NCAA freshman record with that block a moment ago.
00:24:18Most blocks by a freshman.
00:24:20Breaking marshals.
00:24:22Hassan Whiteside.
00:24:23Whiteside's mark back in 2010.
00:24:29Most ever by a freshman.
00:24:32Well, we know Kansas is going to struggle to score in this game.
00:24:36I mean, it's been a problem throughout the tournament.
00:24:38The key is can they defend?
00:24:39I mean, that's been their bread and butter.
00:24:41What I'm looking for now is does Bill Self maybe play a little zone, maybe mix it up?
00:24:46Strategically, he hasn't really done anything to this point.
00:24:48He's counting on that man-to-man.
00:24:50But we've seen some triangle and two earlier in the tournament.
00:24:54We've seen a little bit of zone.
00:24:56Does he do it now or does he want to wait until the second half?
00:24:59Well, this is the end of the floor where I think it has to get better for Kansas.
00:25:03They've gotten hurt on a couple of runouts and transition scores because they've not been efficient enough at this end of the floor.
00:25:09And I think that's where they've got to really tighten it up.
00:25:11But it's much easier said than done.
00:25:13That'll be Kansas ball when we come back.
00:25:17Kentucky shooting 55%.
00:25:18Big reason why is Marcus Teague.
00:25:21And this score, 31-19, a familiar script for each side.
00:25:31Kentucky has gotten these quick double-digit leads the last two games against Baylor and Louisville.
00:25:36And Kansas has faced large deficits throughout the tournament early, only to come back and own the second half.
00:25:43The last time the Final Four was here, Jim Boeheim won the national championship there with wife Julie.
00:25:52That was nine years ago as a freshman, most outstanding player, Carmelo Anthony.
00:26:00He's the third to ever win the most outstanding player as a freshman.
00:26:05Tehan short with the shot.
00:26:08That was a well-run play that gave Tehan a little pinch screen where he squeezed between his defender and two screeners
00:26:17and just left it short.
00:26:18But you've got to knock down some perimeter shots.
00:26:20If you're Kansas.
00:26:23Well, there's a perimeter shot by Lamb.
00:26:25And Kansas now is down by the biggest margin that's faced the whole tournament.
00:26:30You know, we saw all those deficits earlier in the tournament.
00:26:33The way they got back in in those games was by pounding people inside and then defending.
00:26:38But they can't pound Kentucky inside.
00:26:40Robinson just 2 of 8 right now.
00:26:42Now 2 of 9.
00:26:45The 8th rebound of the game for Davis.
00:26:48And that was a challenge shot by Thomas Robinson.
00:26:53He's better served to move that ball repost.
00:26:55And at some point, you've got to be able to make a 15- to 18-foot jump shot.
00:27:00That will be available more than going inside against the shot blocking and length of Kentucky.
00:27:06Taylor almost lost the dribble.
00:27:12Able to chase it down.
00:27:13Blind pass inside with him.
00:27:15Boul on Kentucky.
00:27:19And it's on Kid Gilchrist.
00:27:21With the top dramas and comedies on television, CBS is America's most-watched network.
00:27:31And Miller, who has worn the Kentucky uniform more than any player in the history of the program.
00:27:45This is the 152nd game of his career.
00:27:48The homegrown talent.
00:27:51Taylor with the floor.
00:27:52And it rolls out.
00:27:54And it's off Kansas.
00:27:56And the Jayhawks have missed the last five shots from the floor.
00:28:01Well, it's imperative for Johnson and Taylor to get going in this game.
00:28:04Robinson, you see the struggle he's having with the length, particularly with Davis.
00:28:08Taylor and Johnson are good enough players to create some things on their own.
00:28:14Maybe get some runouts.
00:28:15That's where Kansas is going to have to find some points here.
00:28:19He drives past it.
00:28:21Blocked by Young.
00:28:22And that is off Kentucky.
00:28:27Anthony Davis pulling down rebounds.
00:28:29Swatting shots.
00:28:31Doing what you'd like your big guy to do.
00:28:33Doesn't have to be scoring the ball to have an impact.
00:28:37And this young man doesn't mind it at all.
00:28:39Is his wife.
00:28:41Yeah, Rick Pitino made Bill Russell comparisons.
00:28:45Half to the game on Saturday.
00:28:51And that's going to be on Jones.
00:28:54Of course, all Bill Russell did was win a couple of national championships for USF.
00:28:58And he won a few at the next level also.
00:29:01But Pitino called Anthony Davis as fine a basketball player as there is.
00:29:06I wouldn't argue with him because he has such skill.
00:29:10And his demeanor and disposition is outstanding.
00:29:12He's poised.
00:29:13He's unflappable.
00:29:14He's got a high basketball IQ.
00:29:16And he's about winning.
00:29:19And that's a unique package for a kid so young and so talented.
00:29:26Kansas' first field goal in almost four minutes.
00:29:30Jones went to the bench with two fouls.
00:29:32At this point on Saturday, Steve, with Kansas had to make a little round, including a basket with a fraction of a second to go to cut the Ohio State lead to single digits.
00:29:47That's one of the big plays of the game, Jim.
00:29:49And I think it's going to be important here as Davis picks up the offensive foul.
00:29:53I think it would be critical for Kansas to cut this thing down to ten or maybe nine.
00:29:59You see the charge.
00:30:00Well, it was called the charge.
00:30:02I'm not quite sure.
00:30:04It appeared as though Kevin Young jumped into Davis, but it was close enough.
00:30:10But if Kansas Park can keep this at a manageable number, they have the confidence.
00:30:15They've done it so many times throughout this tournament.
00:30:18Look at the confidence that they can come back and rely on their defense in the second half to get back in.
00:30:23Elijah Johnson, no.
00:30:25And an impressive rebound by Big Diltris.
00:30:29The middle stepping up.
00:30:32He's thinking about taking the shot.
00:30:34They come back out high inside four minutes.
00:30:36Good job just to reset.
00:30:37Nothing available in the early thrust.
00:30:45There's Miller with a three.
00:30:47And the senior hits the shot.
00:30:50The sixth man of the year in the SEC.
00:30:59Robinson lost him on the way in, and it's off Kentucky.
00:31:02Kansas shooting only 33%, and Kentucky is on fire on the other side.
00:31:11Kentucky up 13.
00:31:12They're shooting 54%, getting quality looks.
00:31:15Look at this execution here on the out-of-bounds play.
00:31:18Marcus Teague swings to the strong side, and for some reason, Taylor really loses track of him
00:31:24with the a little late coming over.
00:31:25And there is Marcus's parents, Sean and Carol Teague.
00:31:35What a basketball family.
00:31:36Brother Jeff had a wake for us, and his career is marching on.
00:31:42Very high level.
00:31:44With a short with the shot, and it's going to be a reach-in call against Kansas.
00:31:51I think it may have been Kevin Young, or was it with you?
00:31:54It was Young.
00:31:55Good job.
00:31:55Yeah.
00:31:57Hits first.
00:32:07There's team foul number six on Kansas.
00:32:11Time called so far on Kentucky.
00:32:13Ed.
00:32:25Okay, Gilchrist had it.
00:32:28Knocked out of his hands.
00:32:2911 seconds on the shot clock.
00:32:31Follow social media activity from tonight's game.
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00:32:43So they take Davis out, and Aloy Vargas comes in,
00:32:47a senior from the Dominican Republic.
00:32:49Lamb leaves him now with 12 on the night.
00:32:54And Vargas was the guy who shook him free with a little brush screen
00:32:57immediately upon coming in the game,
00:33:00making a contribution to get a teammate open.
00:33:04This is why Kentucky is so good.
00:33:06But Davis with zero points.
00:33:07It just doesn't matter from game to game
00:33:09because somebody will score.
00:33:12Got so many weapons.
00:33:21Davis tracking down a contact that may have moved around
00:33:25in his eye, it appears.
00:33:27He didn't have any problem seeing while he was out there.
00:33:31To the tune of a bunch of boards and blocked shots.
00:33:34There's the give and go again.
00:33:37Robinson takes the tumble.
00:33:38Vargas has whistled for that.
00:33:41This year, enjoy more madness with Coach Zero.
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00:33:49with three of your friends.
00:33:52So, Thomas Robinson at the line, the junior from Washington, D.C.
00:34:01who's had just a spectacular season for the Jayhawks.
00:34:05When you consider that he only started three games his first two years at Kansas,
00:34:10behind, lined up behind the Morris twins.
00:34:12But that had to help playing against those two in practice day after day
00:34:17as he was able to test his skills against them
00:34:19and work on his own shooting stroke.
00:34:25Really a great story.
00:34:27Thomas Robinson, he's looking to be one of the top picks in the draft this year.
00:34:31And a credit to that young man that he was willing to bide his time,
00:34:36pay his dues, go up against excellent competition in practice
00:34:41and know that it would prepare him for his opportunity when the time came.
00:34:46You don't often see that.
00:34:48Many times young players with immediate success.
00:34:52And that's off Kansas with an even two minutes to go in the half
00:35:00and not showing any signs to be able to cut into this Kentucky onslaught here
00:35:08in the first half as Davis returns for Vargas.
00:35:12Yeah, the body language is really down right now for Kansas.
00:35:15You can see it.
00:35:16And they've got to have a spark.
00:35:17They've got to somehow turn the tide.
00:35:19And usually it's been getting a couple of runouts for Johnson or Tyshawn,
00:35:26but they just haven't been able to break free.
00:35:28Nothing easy.
00:35:29Kentucky playing a really solid defensive game.
00:35:32Nice steal by Withey.
00:35:34Miller's pass into the lane.
00:35:37Taken away by the 7-footer.
00:35:38Driving in Robinson.
00:35:40But Kentucky crashes.
00:35:41Withey takes it back away.
00:35:44Boy, good fight that time by both Withey and Robinson.
00:35:49It's foul on Davis, and that's his second Wednesday on Survivor.
00:35:55Someone's about to get played.
00:35:57Don't miss a new Survivor Wednesday,
00:35:59only on CBS America's number one network.
00:36:03So Vargas wasn't out for long.
00:36:05And Davis, got to think, will sit out the final 134 of this half.
00:36:10You just see John Calipari slap him on the back,
00:36:15so upset that his star picked up that second foul.
00:36:19And Calipari's staff had to settle him down.
00:36:23And now they're barking at each other on the sidelines.
00:36:26Give and take.
00:36:27How families operate on occasion.
00:36:38The execution for Kentucky has been splendid.
00:36:42Other than that, pass there, and they're fortunate to get the ball back.
00:36:44Take it right past the Kansas defenders.
00:36:52He's got 11.
00:36:53He is so strong.
00:36:55It looked like Thomas was going to, Thomas Robinson was going to knock the ball out of his hands,
00:37:00but he wasn't able to.
00:37:01Robinson at the other end with a quick basket.
00:37:03Inside now, 50 seconds.
00:37:15Good go, Chris.
00:37:20They passed up a couple of shots there,
00:37:23and stepped back now with a half minute to go.
00:37:25Five on the shot clock, Lamb.
00:37:36Big Gilchrist, he'll take the three.
00:37:40We'll see what Kansas can do with the final 10 seconds.
00:37:50They were spinning on two.
00:37:52Beautiful move with a second to go.
00:37:55They've got this thing down, scoring a basket right before the head.
00:38:01Yeah.
00:38:02We'll see if it's enough to turn the tide, though, for Kansas.
00:38:05Down 14.
00:38:06Really not much life.
00:38:07They have been absolutely dominated in this first half.
00:38:11Overwhelmed by the execution and shot making,
00:38:13as well as the defensive presence of Kentucky.
00:38:16Let's go over to Tracy Wolfson.
00:38:19Coach, a tremendous first half.
00:38:21What were you most impressed with?
00:38:23Our defense.
00:38:23I thought we really guarded.
00:38:26At the end, we had guys out.
00:38:28We didn't execute very good.
00:38:30But they're a terrific team.
00:38:31They're not going anywhere, Kansas.
00:38:33It's going to be a war this second half.
00:38:35Shot the ball pretty well.
00:38:36Had good execution.
00:38:37But really, we defended.
00:38:38Thanks a lot.
00:38:39Jim?
00:38:40And that's grim news for Kansas when you see Kentucky's won the last 40 times it's led at halftime.
00:38:46Biggest deficit at halftime this season for the Jayhawks.
00:38:49Greg Gumbel and company coming up here on CBS Next.
00:38:51Well, that was a Hall of Fame first half performance by Kentucky on a day when the Hall of Fame class 2012 was announced here in New Orleans.
00:39:06Very special for a teammate, huh?
00:39:08Oh, yeah.
00:39:09Reggie Miller got a huge ovation, by the way, when he was introduced out here.
00:39:12Still very popular.
00:39:14Yeah, just great to see as the Hall of Fame inductions will be official in September.
00:39:20And let's take a look at the first half summary at Kentucky defense.
00:39:25Yeah, they were phenomenal.
00:39:26They held Kansas to 33% shooting.
00:39:30They really controlled the paint.
00:39:31They made it tough on Robinson, who had 8-6, but really wasn't a factor.
00:39:34And then the shooting of Deron Lamb, I thought, was important.
00:39:37Stretched that defense out.
00:39:38Kentucky, very efficient.
00:39:41Extremely efficient.
00:39:41And the guy who got him started early was Marcus Teague.
00:39:44I thought, guys, he was 4 of 8 from the floor.
00:39:48He knocked down a couple of perimeter shots, including a 3.
00:39:50Got to the rim.
00:39:52Also had 2 assists and no turnovers in that first half.
00:39:56But there you see him knocking down the open jump shot.
00:39:58Let's go over to Tracy Wolfson.
00:40:01Coach, another double-digit deficit to overcome.
00:40:04Where do you begin?
00:40:06Well, we got to get back in transition.
00:40:09We got to rebound the ball.
00:40:10We got to be more aggressive defensively.
00:40:13We actually ran some good offense, and they wiped out some shots where he got the ball in tight.
00:40:17But, you know, it was not great offense, but our defense was just pitiful, and they made us pay.
00:40:22Thanks a lot.
00:40:23Six times on the season, coming back from double-digit deficits, and we mentioned three times in the tournament alone.
00:40:31But the biggest comeback ever at halftime was in San Antonio, the Comeback Cats, when they won it in 98, Kentucky's last national championship.
00:40:41W. Smith is here tonight, the coach of that Kentucky team now at Minnesota.
00:40:48And it was his title night, and he's one of many onlookers here, some 70,000 strong, getting set for a second half.
00:40:56And can Kansas somehow tap into that storyline that's been present every step of the way to this championship night?
00:41:05Well, they don't have to be at the defensive end initially, disrupting the rhythm of Kentucky, creating some opportunities in the open court.
00:41:15Oh, and Jones is smacked.
00:41:25Thomas Robinson late rotating here, and an obvious foul as he gets Terrence Jones right upside the dome.
00:41:33There is Debbie Smith and his wife Donna.
00:41:40Coming back from 10 down to beat Utah.
00:41:42That was that Rick Majerus-led, Andre Miller, Michael Doliak team.
00:41:47That was a great game.
00:41:48It was a good game.
00:41:49It sure was.
00:41:50San Antonio, Jeff Shepard, I believe, was the MVP of the MOP.
00:41:54Yes, he was.
00:41:54Yeah.
00:41:56That was the second foul on Robinson.
00:41:58And Kentucky with three players with at least nine points, led by Lambs, 12.
00:42:08And that's a turnover going back to Kansas.
00:42:10So, the defense stepping up on that first trip down the floor for Kentucky to start this second half.
00:42:19Well, now you've got to validate the forced turnover with good offense and a shot made.
00:42:27I look for Taylor and Johnson to be involved in a lot of dribble handoffs, try to get them into the paint.
00:42:32But that's the problem.
00:42:34You've got the best shot blocker in the country waiting for you.
00:42:37And his fourth block of the night.
00:42:41This one, he just makes it look so easy.
00:42:43Not even a doubt about that one going into the...
00:42:46Well, it is easy when a 6-2 bar tries to challenge him when he's staring him right in the face.
00:42:51I mean, that's simple.
00:42:53Pull out, pass him, and knock down the perimeter jump shot.
00:42:57Make a nice move inside by Robinson.
00:43:00Well, it was 18 at one time.
00:43:03Late stage's first half, and now it's 12.
00:43:07Well, the comeback against Ohio State was led by Robinson's inside force and his enthusiasm, his intensity.
00:43:15Everybody turned the tide emotionally in that game.
00:43:17And we'll see if he's able to do so for Kansas.
00:43:21We'll be trying to defend.
00:43:22And Davis' shot spins out.
00:43:26Still without a point in this game.
00:43:28We'll be trying to defend.
00:43:30We'll be trying to defend.
00:43:33We'll be trying to defend.
00:43:35And we'll be unable to finish it.
00:43:39The other end to Gilchrist.
00:43:50And it's going back to Kansas.
00:43:53Johnson fed it.
00:43:55Withy.
00:43:56It's pretty steep.
00:43:57But unable to ever really get control of it.
00:44:02But better execution for Kansas' first couple of possessions.
00:44:05We've seen their guards now get into the paint and penetrate this Kentucky defense.
00:44:10If they do that, Robinson and Whippy can get some offensive rebounds like they did against Ohio State.
00:44:16And it's going to be the third on Jones.
00:44:18Oh, no, no, no.
00:44:25It's on Teague, not Jones.
00:44:28And for Teague, that's just his first.
00:44:31But one of the things with Kentucky, I'm looking at this team as they start this second half, guys.
00:44:39And the first half was so comfortable for them.
00:44:44And really, they dominated that half.
00:44:46There's a tendency to exhale and take your foot off the gas pedal a bit.
00:44:51They got to pick their energy level up a bit at the offensive end.
00:44:57Kansas missing some opportunities here.
00:44:59They missed the tip, the alley-oop dunk by Withy.
00:45:02And then the first of two free throws for Tyshawn Taylor.
00:45:06And when you're trying to come back against a superior team, boy, you can ill afford to not cash in on opportunities.
00:45:14Taylor, his first two free throw attempts of the night.
00:45:17He actually was at the line 17 times in the first game against Kentucky.
00:45:22But that's a 7-0 stretch for Kansas, getting the second one to go.
00:45:35Mismatch.
00:45:35No, they switch back.
00:45:36Seems like they're trying to get Anthony Davis off here to start this second half.
00:45:45Tough shot.
00:45:46Off the floor, Jones.
00:45:49Puts it up loudly.
00:45:50And there is Davis.
00:45:52No foul.
00:45:53Jones.
00:45:53Again, Kansas defense.
00:45:55Can get up the single digits on this trip.
00:46:00Kentucky fans are livid.
00:46:02And as Johnson misses on the three, ball snatched out of the air by Kid Gilchrist.
00:46:07They can't believe there wasn't a foul that last time down on his end.
00:46:09Taylor was late on that pass to Johnson.
00:46:13Just took him out of rhythm.
00:46:14He was wide open because of poor transition defense.
00:46:18But you get a bad pass as a shooter.
00:46:20Much tougher to knock that shot down.
00:46:23Spoken as a true shooter.
00:46:27You knew how you wanted to get it.
00:46:29When you wanted to get it.
00:46:30That's right.
00:46:30Where I wanted it.
00:46:32Revaford picks up his third.
00:46:34And Tehan is going to come in for him.
00:46:37These last two games for Kansas against North Carolina.
00:46:44And then against Ohio State.
00:46:46They held their opponents in the second half to shooting percentages in the 20s.
00:46:53And the tap in is good.
00:47:07And Teague is going to be called for the bump.
00:47:33His second of the half.
00:47:34You know, one of the things that's happened with Robinson is that the length of both Jones and Davis has bothered him so much.
00:47:41And they're trying to post him up in an isolated situation.
00:47:45They're better off getting him on the move so that he can use that speed and quickness.
00:47:50But that's a lot easier said than done.
00:47:52And the other thing is, you may need to step off the block if you're Robinson.
00:47:57He's worked extremely hard on that mid-range jump shot.
00:48:00You may have to go to that part of your book bag to see if you can get something right.
00:48:05Go you!
00:48:06Go you!
00:48:07Go you!
00:48:09Go you!
00:48:11Go you!
00:48:13Go you!
00:48:14Go you!
00:48:15Go you!
00:48:15The other thing you got to wonder, will Taylor hit a three?
00:48:18Hasn't taken one, but it's just been a really tough go for him.
00:48:21And that's been nice.
00:48:23Hasn't made one in the tournament.
00:48:25After shooting 43% of the regular season.
00:48:29Now 0 for 20 in the tournament, which is just shocking.
00:48:33When you shoot 43% in the regular season, you'd expect one of those to go.
00:48:39Here he is defending on Miller.
00:48:41One of the rounds, half the round.
00:48:45Call against Kansas.
00:48:51Called on with the, his second.
00:48:56Calipari's Kentucky team up 13.
00:49:03There's Anthony Davis with such an interesting line here.
00:49:06With no points, but 13 rebounds, 5 blocks, 4 assists.
00:49:10That's the first time I think I can say that he's a stat sheet stuffer supreme without a bucket.
00:49:16Yeah, he's at the line now.
00:49:17He's going to have a chance to get that zero changed out.
00:49:22Yeah, get that bagel to something different.
00:49:27So few players can dominate a game without scoring.
00:49:30There's his third point.
00:49:31But, you know, you think of point guards and centers, generally the ones who are able to do so
00:49:37by controlling either the offensive flow as a point
00:49:40or the defensive glass and the paint that Davis has done today.
00:49:47I thought Kansas gave away a couple of opportunities to win that first four-minute battle of the second half.
00:49:54A missed dunk, a missed free throw.
00:49:57Four-shot selection trying to drive it into the lane.
00:50:00He's got to be content.
00:50:03And that's a tough look.
00:50:05Another missed opportunity at the rim.
00:50:07Goodness, he had like a free look down at the basket.
00:50:12And Johnson now one for seven.
00:50:14He's been Kansas' best offensive player in this tournament.
00:50:18Kentucky's been all over.
00:50:19And, Steve, I think his shot selection's been a little questionable.
00:50:21He's taken a couple of tough runners under seven-shot attempts.
00:50:26And that's just a missed performance in a break there.
00:50:29Davis just reaching in.
00:50:31Robinson had pulled it down with one hand.
00:50:33Didn't realize Davis was behind him.
00:50:37And that was a moment right there that's a crusher for Kansas.
00:50:43A careless moment.
00:50:45And Kentucky cashes in.
00:50:46We're back with Kansas to inbound.
00:50:53Down 16, Jim Nance with Clark Kellogg and Steve Kerr here courtside in New Orleans
00:50:59after a couple of tight games on Saturday in the national semifinals.
00:51:04This one has not been close.
00:51:06Kentucky leading by 14 at halftime.
00:51:10Kansas had one trip down the floor in this half to get it down to single digits.
00:51:14Missed a couple of dunks, and there's another steal by Davis.
00:51:17At some point, Kansas has to try to knock down a mid-range jump shot.
00:51:22He's back forcing the ball inside against an outstanding defensive team.
00:51:26This is one way to get something out the rim in transition.
00:51:30And there's the follow-up.
00:51:31Thought it might have been goaltending before that, but they get the follow-up basket.
00:51:36That's been their game, really.
00:51:38That's what happened against Ohio State in that second half.
00:51:41That's right.
00:51:41Taylor and Johnson with several runouts.
00:51:43The problem was they weren't playing against Kentucky.
00:51:48There's another chance.
00:51:49Up ahead is Johnson.
00:51:52And he hangs on because he's got a player beneath him, so no technical foul.
00:51:58Time out, Kentucky.
00:52:08Thursday, TV's number one new drama is all new.
00:52:13Person of interest.
00:52:15And it's Thursday only, CBS.
00:52:17Back-to-back buckets by Kansas.
00:52:25Off turnovers.
00:52:27Can they speed this up and maybe be disruptive by applying chaotic pressure?
00:52:32You do open the floor up that way, but it's a 12-point game now.
00:52:37I think you go a couple of possessions to try to be solid and get stops defensively and then
00:52:42push it ahead quickly if you do to try to score early in the offensive possession.
00:52:48And if that doesn't get you back in it, you might just have to start really clawing and
00:52:53scratching to try to find a way to get open court scores.
00:52:56And that is the sixth turnover of the half by Kentucky.
00:53:01Table pull-out.
00:53:03No.
00:53:05And he's signaling he got hit on the elbow on the shot, but no call.
00:53:10If you're Kentucky right now, I think you've got to be careful about this game slowing down.
00:53:14There's 13 minutes to go.
00:53:16You still have to play with pace and tempo and efficiency.
00:53:20You can't run the clock out at this point.
00:53:22No, you can't drive the car with the parking brake on.
00:53:24You've got to continue to attack and do the speed limit.
00:53:30You know, this is what happened to Kentucky and Calipari against Vanderbilt in that SEC
00:53:34tournament game that they lost.
00:53:37They were in control.
00:53:38It wasn't a huge differential, about seven points most of the second half.
00:53:43But the last six, seven minutes, they stopped playing.
00:53:45They did.
00:53:46I watched that game.
00:53:46You're right.
00:53:48That loss actually was just a few hundred yards away from here at the neighboring New Orleans
00:53:52Arena in the SEC Tournament Final in early March.
00:53:59And only the second loss of their year, Indiana beating them back in December.
00:54:04Rutherford has come back on the floor for Kansas.
00:54:07He's got three fouls, Jim.
00:54:09He's an excellent defender.
00:54:11They need him out there for that purpose.
00:54:12He's got a short, and Riffey has it.
00:54:19Thomas trying to post up a rim run.
00:54:21He's got a great position there.
00:54:22Nice job by Thomas Robinson.
00:54:24And Jones now becomes a little bit of an issue with three fouls of his own.
00:54:29He's got some life for Kansas.
00:54:32You can hear their fans starting to murmur.
00:54:34They're excited.
00:54:35They're starting to get some penetration.
00:54:36Look at this move from Robinson.
00:54:39Just a great penetration without the ball, establishing that position.
00:54:43And then a nice pass from Taylor.
00:54:45And Lamb comes back on the floor.
00:54:46Just like we heard on Saturday, Bill Self telling Tracy about,
00:54:51imploring his team at halftime about, get the energy going.
00:54:53It's a bit different this year, too, as Robinson picks up the loose ball
00:55:00and dunks it to a ten-point game.
00:55:04And will we see some zone?
00:55:05Maybe the triangle and two that we saw against Purdue in North Carolina.
00:55:10Will Bill Self try to change things up with that?
00:55:13Well, he's been good in the man-to-man here in the last few possessions, Steve.
00:55:16I think they stay with just what they're doing.
00:55:20Last six points to the Jayhawks.
00:55:22Teehan guarding Miller.
00:55:26He steps into the lane.
00:55:27The shot in points.
00:55:28Oh, but he banks it in.
00:55:32Taylor races down.
00:55:34He lets the basket back.
00:55:36I thought he got fouled there, but no call.
00:55:38But a good attack.
00:55:39I like that thrust by Kansas and Tyshawn Taylor
00:55:43because it forces Kentucky to really retreat.
00:55:46And sometimes you can catch them in transition there.
00:55:52The man has to come back out with it.
00:56:04Definitely a different story defensively for Kansas in this half.
00:56:09And Kentucky content to play late shot clock in the half court.
00:56:13That's Teague influencing that shot, and that's off the hands of Davis.
00:56:18We've got the under-12 timeout, and there is life for the Jayhawks.
00:56:22And a week of the eye by Bill Self.
00:56:24Kentucky shooting only 21% in this half
00:56:36and has been held to seven points through nearly nine minutes of action.
00:56:40Three of 14 and six turnovers.
00:56:43Not the efficiency we saw in the first half.
00:56:46And I sensed a little bit of tentativeness early on.
00:56:49And, Steve, you mentioned it as well.
00:56:51Kentucky easing up and not really going at it offensively
00:56:55as aggressively as they did in the first half.
00:56:57But as good as they are, Kentucky, they're still extremely young.
00:57:01They struck three freshmen, two sophomores.
00:57:03You wonder, do they have the maturity to execute
00:57:06to really step on your throat in this situation?
00:57:09Oh, a tough pass, and it was picked off.
00:57:14And Davis read it.
00:57:33Layout from the corner.
00:57:35That's a three.
00:57:36The extra pass.
00:57:41Yeah.
00:57:4217 for Lamb.
00:57:44Tops for Kentucky.
00:57:46Taylor.
00:57:49Bouncing out to Tee.
00:58:00The Wildcats are really content to just play in the half court.
00:58:03Almost as if they want to prove they can get it down that way.
00:58:08When you've got a guy stroking it like a lamb.
00:58:12He can make it happen for you.
00:58:14He's hit three out of four for the night.
00:58:17From behind the arc.
00:58:19He scores six points in 38 seconds.
00:58:20He scores six points in 38 seconds.
00:58:29Get the latest gear for your team at the official store of the NCAA.
00:58:33Find great hoops merchandise at NCAA.com slash shop.
00:58:38And boy, does Deron Lamb change the momentum right back in this one.
00:58:42He just threw a bunch of dust into the air filter with those back-to-back triples.
00:58:48We talked about the response of Kansas in the first half.
00:58:52That was the response to the response.
00:58:55Big shots.
00:58:57I mean, everything was going Kansas' way.
00:58:59And they've had so many comebacks in the tournament.
00:59:01It felt like things were starting to turn.
00:59:04And Lamb has changed it all back.
00:59:06This will stay with Kansas as Young will replace Withey.
00:59:17And Wiltshire for Jones on the Kentucky side.
00:59:22That's an automatic substitution for Calipari.
00:59:25He's putting Wiltshire in any time Kansas goes small with Young.
00:59:29He did it in the first half, too.
00:59:30He likes this matchup.
00:59:31He doesn't want Young to go around Jones and get offensive rebounds.
00:59:36Robbins, a nice shot.
00:59:39He's got a double-double again tonight.
00:59:44Led the nation in that category.
00:59:4814 points, 12 rebounds.
00:59:58Wiltshire matched up with Deron Lamb.
01:00:00He did such a good job on William Buford the other night.
01:00:03There's Wiltshire dangerous in there.
01:00:05Robinson had the box out on Davis.
01:00:20And Wiltshire drives in and draws the foul.
01:00:26Lamb's the guy you never talk about, really.
01:00:28And he just always knows how to put up points.
01:00:30Well, he's a terrific shooter and scorer, Jim.
01:00:33But he's the one guy that shoots a really high percentage from behind the three-point line.
01:00:38And he's got great looks tonight.
01:00:40Not good looks.
01:00:41He's got outstanding looks all night.
01:00:44You see what he's done tonight in the tournament compared to his regular season point total.
01:00:50And, as you said, automatic substitution pattern here as Whiffy comes back in.
01:01:00And Wiltshire is getting a little tutorial here from Coach Cowell.
01:01:05Kansas is four for nine for the night at the line.
01:01:08This Kentucky season is so similar to what they did in 96 when they won the championship.
01:01:23Coach Patino's team winning it over Syracuse in the final up in New Jersey.
01:01:27They've gone undefeated in the regular season as they did this year.
01:01:30Lost in the SEC tournament as they did this year.
01:01:33There's Davis, and he's denied, but he is going to go to the line.
01:01:40And Whiffy has picked up a third foul.
01:01:49And actually changed it to Young.
01:01:55So second on Young.
01:01:57Put Whiffy back at two also.
01:01:59And that's the second point of the night for Davis.
01:02:01If Whiffy had a most outstanding player who didn't make a field goal.
01:02:07That would be a good one to have.
01:02:09Final game.
01:02:12I mean, you'd have to give it to him right now.
01:02:13No question.
01:02:14You know, the game is over.
01:02:15He's completely dominated this game with only two points.
01:02:21Trying to become actually just a fourth freshman to have a win.
01:02:25Most outstanding player in the championship.
01:02:26Arnie Farron of Utah, 44.
01:02:28Curtis Allison, Louisville, 86, and then Carmelo here in goal three.
01:02:33And Johnson gives him finally a little perimeter look with a three-pointer.
01:02:38Well, Jim, I think to get all the way back, if that happens,
01:02:41it's going to take knocking down a couple of threes.
01:02:43You won't be able to—Kansas won't be able to do it solely with twos and free throws.
01:02:48They need a few timely threes to fall as well.
01:02:56Big guys that can handle and pass really make it tough to defend this Kentucky team in the half court.
01:03:02And Davis still without a field goal.
01:03:04Yeah, he's 0 for 8 from the field.
01:03:06Whiffy has done a tremendous job just bothering him with his own way.
01:03:10But that was a steal for Lamb.
01:03:13He was in position and didn't go after the ball.
01:03:17He tapped around to Terrence Jones.
01:03:21Three on two.
01:03:22To the wing.
01:03:23Lamb.
01:03:25Not this time, but Teague.
01:03:28Behind the back, Miller.
01:03:30And look at Jones saving as Kentucky will reset.
01:03:33Kevin Young matched up with Anthony Davis,
01:03:44and they're bumping and jostling in there.
01:03:47And Ron Harris comes in and says,
01:03:49hey, chill out.
01:03:53Elijah Johnson.
01:03:57To Rutherford.
01:03:59And Jones says no.
01:04:00Whiffy on the way up lost it.
01:04:02Young trying to pick it off the floor.
01:04:03And it's staying with Kansas.
01:04:076.50 to go in the championship game.
01:04:11Margin is 12.
01:04:28Kansas has hung around here in the second half
01:04:31by really pushing the tempo.
01:04:32Any chance they have.
01:04:33Here on a made basket by Kentucky,
01:04:35Tyshawn Taylor beats everybody down the floor for the bucket.
01:04:40He and Elijah Johnson have picked it up here in the second half.
01:04:43They're within 12.
01:04:45And I think what's key here in the next two minutes,
01:04:48you've got to get it down to about seven or eight.
01:04:50Make Kentucky uncomfortable.
01:04:52We've seen the Wildcats really get slow with their offense.
01:04:55If you can get them uncomfortable at the five-minute mark,
01:04:59be within, you know, three possessions.
01:05:01Now you've got something to work with.
01:05:02There is Tyshawn Taylor's mother, Janelle,
01:05:09hoping her son can spark a comeback as Kansas will inbound.
01:05:16You can't afford empty trips if you're the Jayhawks.
01:05:19You need baskets or free throws just about every time down.
01:05:23And a three-pointer in the basket wouldn't hurt.
01:05:26That is a three.
01:05:28Robinson lays up, misses to Chippy.
01:05:36And that's going to Kentucky.
01:05:38Boy, you just cannot afford anything like that,
01:05:43which is 6.36 to go.
01:05:45Time is short.
01:05:47But that's what Davis does.
01:05:48You know, those are automatic for Robinson against both teams.
01:05:52But if he doesn't block it, he's always on your mind.
01:05:56Kentucky first went to a double-digit lead at 31-19.
01:06:00At the 7.17 to go in the first half mark.
01:06:03So, 21 minutes, roughly, of action with a double-digit lead.
01:06:09As high as 18.
01:06:11Been trying to 10 on a couple of occasions.
01:06:13But it's really been between that window of 10 to 18 Kentucky
01:06:16since about mid-first half.
01:06:20And you would expect Kentucky perhaps to post up either Jones or Miller
01:06:24because either guy has a mismatch.
01:06:27Jones hammered by Young.
01:06:30You just can't plug all the holes dealing with this Kentucky team.
01:06:36Darius Miller has a size advantage on Elijah Johnson.
01:06:39And Terrence Jones has a huge size advantage on Kevin Young.
01:06:44And as most good teams will do, they'll look at that and say,
01:06:49let's attack one of those areas.
01:06:51And you saw Withey on the bench.
01:06:52I think Bill Self trying to speed up the game a little bit.
01:06:55Go with Young at the 4 to create some tempo.
01:06:58But the flip side of that is you don't have Withey at the rim.
01:07:02So, the third foul on Young.
01:07:05And Jones has struggled at the free throw line in the NCAA tournament.
01:07:11His two years at Kentucky.
01:07:13In fact, he's 0 for 4 here in New Orleans.
01:07:17And now he's got one.
01:07:19We'll get back up to 13.
01:07:21Six minutes left.
01:07:22Johnson, that's a three.
01:07:36Good challenge by Terrence Jones.
01:07:40And Robinson was on the end line.
01:07:43You can see that time Kansas was looking for the three-point shot.
01:07:50It was missed.
01:07:51And here's the fight for the ball.
01:07:52And clearly, Thomas Robinson straddling that out-of-bounds line.
01:07:57The length of this Kentucky defense is just amazing.
01:08:00You mentioned the challenge.
01:08:01I mean, that's Terrence Jones who's in the paint.
01:08:03He got all the way out to about 25 feet away from the hoop
01:08:07to bother Johnson on that shot.
01:08:09Not just the length, but the willingness and the commitment
01:08:12to go after shouts.
01:08:16That's a credit to the coaching staff and to these players
01:08:19that they go at things the way they do defensively.
01:08:23Here's Davis' baseline jumper, and he's got a field goal.
01:08:38First of the night.
01:08:46And Miller.
01:08:48Well, he thought he had made a clean play.
01:08:50He broke contact.
01:08:51But still didn't quite get the ball before he bumped into Robinson.
01:08:58A good effort by Darius Miller.
01:09:00He tried to break contact, but I think he grabbed Robinson
01:09:03with his right arm just enough to warrant the foul call.
01:09:07Two on him, five on Kentucky.
01:09:09Five minutes to play.
01:09:13Took hands by Davis.
01:09:14It's interesting, Jim.
01:09:15Only five team fouls on this team that challenges everything
01:09:19and keeps you from getting things at the rim.
01:09:21Again, I've looked at the discipline as Twithy comes back.
01:09:26The discipline of Anthony Davis, the poise and patience he displays.
01:09:31But it's not just him.
01:09:32I mean, Terrence Jones is pretty good in that regard, too.
01:09:34He doesn't leave his feet very often to commit fouls.
01:09:37Kansas has missed his last five shots.
01:09:40There's two.
01:09:41He's finally got a three.
01:09:44His first of the tournament.
01:09:46His first of his career in a dome.
01:09:49He is 0 for 20 before that shot.
01:09:53Career three-point shooting in a dome.
01:09:57That's his first one of the tournament.
01:09:58Now Davis.
01:10:08With he says, you know, I can do this, too.
01:10:11Here's Davis.
01:10:13Oh, he doesn't go!
01:10:14And rims in.
01:10:18Now he'll go to the line with a chance to get this to single figures.
01:10:22He is so good getting to the rim and the open court.
01:10:28Strong enough to go through contact.
01:10:30Little Euro step here takes it over the top.
01:10:34It's pulled by Lamb and gets the roll.
01:10:39Big free throw here from a psychological standpoint.
01:10:42It's been double digits, as you said, Jim, pretty much the entire night.
01:10:47And there it is for the first time since about eight minutes to go in the first half.
01:10:55They've got it under 10.
01:10:5917 on the night for Taylor.
01:11:02Marcus Teague heading to the scores table to check back in,
01:11:06although in the media timeout area.
01:11:09So he'll wait until then.
01:11:11Shot back in the rim.
01:11:12Where he had it, and it bounces over to Rutherford.
01:11:15Kansas is charged.
01:11:17And then away from the ball, there's a foul call.
01:11:25And it's called against Jones.
01:11:27It'll be his fourth.
01:11:36Here's a look at the Capital One Cup.
01:11:38Impact performance.
01:11:40How about that 15 boards, five blocks, five dimes, three steals.
01:11:51Six blocks for A.D. Anthony Davis.
01:11:56And A.D. has tied the championship record for blocks.
01:12:00Joe Kim Noah.
01:12:02And now a huge one-on-one opportunity for Robinson.
01:12:08If he can make these two get it to seven, Kentucky is already nervous.
01:12:12I mean, they're feeling the pressure.
01:12:14You get it down to seven, that just adds to that.
01:12:18And don't forget, 2008, these two coaches squared off.
01:12:22It looked like Calipari's Memphis squad was going to walk away with it.
01:12:26They were up nine with, what, 2-11?
01:12:282-11 to play in regulation.
01:12:30And then John Calipari is on record as saying everything that could go wrong went wrong for his team.
01:12:36They asked him yesterday, what did you learn about that?
01:12:38And he said, you've got to make your free throws.
01:12:39That's right.
01:12:40He wouldn't even go back, obviously, and look at it again.
01:12:42It's now down to seven with 3.50 on the clock.
01:12:48An 8-0 run in just a little more than a minute.
01:13:02Lamb, he's been one, but this one rims out.
01:13:09Johnson now.
01:13:10That baseline has to throw it out.
01:13:13Where was he going there?
01:13:15Where was he going?
01:13:18And it's going back to Kentucky.
01:13:21You probe and you look.
01:13:22If there's nothing there, you bring it out.
01:13:25He put himself in harm's way by dribbling along the baseline with nowhere to go.
01:13:30I think the intent is to attack at all costs because you know how hard it is to score against Kentucky.
01:13:36But that mindset got him in trouble there.
01:13:40Kentucky shooting 25% in the half.
01:13:44In the 20s, just like North Carolina, just like Ohio State in the second half.
01:13:49And man, have they found a way to close out games here in the tournament.
01:13:53Like 12-0 against the Tar Heels.
01:13:55Same kind of dominance over Ohio State down the stretch.
01:13:59Four on the shot.
01:14:00And Teague hits a three.
01:14:03A huge triple.
01:14:04How big has he been?
01:14:08Yeah, his first points at the half is Taylor.
01:14:11Comes back out.
01:14:12Johnson getting matched with three.
01:14:14He does.
01:14:172.30 to go.
01:14:19It's over to his coach.
01:14:48Now shoots for five seconds.
01:14:51And it's Robinson.
01:14:53And it's Kansas with a chance to cut into that seven-point deficit.
01:14:57To Wilson.
01:15:02To Wilson.
01:15:07To Wilson.
01:15:08To Wilson.
01:15:10To Wilson.
01:15:11To Wilson.
01:15:12And he's fouled.
01:15:13And it almost drops.
01:15:15Somehow he got the shot away.
01:15:18Kid Gilchrist commits the foul.
01:15:21His second.
01:15:22Could be two in the line.
01:15:24Beautiful pocket pass here.
01:15:26Withey didn't catch it cleanly,
01:15:27but did a nice job to dump it off to Thomas Robinson.
01:15:31And my goodness, that thing almost went in,
01:15:34and I don't know how.
01:15:36And Kentucky at the other end has been stymied offensively.
01:15:39He bailed them out with that long three,
01:15:41but then was forced to take another one.
01:15:43Withey doing a terrific job pushing Anthony Davis off the block.
01:15:496.
01:15:49How many of you start talking about a comeback?
01:15:54Kentucky's got you 18 points.
01:15:57The way they're executing.
01:15:59It's unimaginable that you can make up that kind of ground,
01:16:03but there's now, here we are, 1.37 to go,
01:16:05and this free throw could make it five.
01:16:08Keep in mind, the next foul for Kansas is a one-and-one for Kentucky.
01:16:12They really struggled from the line the other night.
01:16:15Bill Self saying it's always fun to do something
01:16:18when no one thinks you can do it.
01:16:20That's been his theme with this team during this tournament.
01:16:24No one believed this was a team that was going to win its regional.
01:16:31Or has to steal by Taylor.
01:16:33T. Gowden, Darius Miller in.
01:16:35That means Lamb goes to the point,
01:16:37and he was a little suspect there the other night against Louisville.
01:16:42There's a steal.
01:16:44Rutherford reached in.
01:16:46Jones got it back.
01:16:47No change of possession.
01:16:4810 on the shot clock.
01:16:49Davis is hammered.
01:16:52Rutherford almost had the theft.
01:16:56It was that close.
01:17:00You get the sense Kentucky trying to hang on.
01:17:03They've got to continue to be aggressive.
01:17:05Smart but aggressive.
01:17:06That's a fourth foul on Rutherford.
01:17:10Two shots for Anthony Davis.
01:17:13Still growing.
01:17:15Two years removed from being a 6-2 guard.
01:17:21At Perspectives Charter School in Chicago.
01:17:25He won six games.
01:17:26His team won six games his junior year.
01:17:29Six games last year.
01:17:31His senior year.
01:17:32That's all he won.
01:17:32Bearer are his parents.
01:17:37And it takes six games, though, to win a national championship.
01:17:39And they need his free throw right now.
01:17:44Timeout called by Kentucky.
01:17:47And the margin is six.
01:17:49With 1-11 to play.
01:17:57Kansas will be inbounding and has the arrow,
01:18:00but only one timeout.
01:18:01Jim Nance with Steve Kerr-Clark.
01:18:03Tell all guys, tee us up some strategy.
01:18:05I think Elijah Johnson is the guy who's kind of got a little role going.
01:18:08They've run some really nice stuff, bringing him off a couple of screens.
01:18:12If the jumper is there, you take it.
01:18:14If not, you've got him putting the ball on the paint.
01:18:16I would expect T-10 to be on the floor for a three-point shooting.
01:18:19I agree.
01:18:20You know, you think about it.
01:18:21You don't necessarily need a three here.
01:18:23You need a high-quality shot and fairly early.
01:18:26So, whatever you want to run to give yourself a chance to get something in the paint,
01:18:32to score, perhaps draw a foul,
01:18:34and then your secondary option is perhaps something on the perimeter.
01:18:37But the key is good and quick.
01:18:50Johnson, who's hit some big outside shots,
01:18:52goes inside.
01:18:53Taylor is caught, but is able to retrieve it.
01:18:56That was Kidd Gilchrist on the block on a well-run play and a turnover by Kansas.
01:19:03That was terrific defense and recovery by Kidd Gilchrist because he was beaten.
01:19:08And it was great offense, too.
01:19:10Phil Self threw up a beautiful play.
01:19:12And that tells the story about Kentucky.
01:19:15They set the all-time single-season record for blocked shots by a team this year.
01:19:20And it's not just Anthony Davis.
01:19:22Now it's strong with it and make foul shots for Kentucky.
01:19:32There is Coach Danny Manning.
01:19:34He led the Jayhawks 24 years ago tonight.
01:19:37Manning and the Miracles to a national championship.
01:19:40He'll be taking over as the head coach at Tulsa as soon as this game concludes.
01:19:46Following the path of Coach Bill Self, who was the former coach there.
01:19:50And Barry Henson, another assistant on his way to Southern Illinois.
01:19:53Here we go with Teague at the line, 1-1.
01:19:58Well, this young man, I know he only has four points this half,
01:20:02but his start was superb tonight.
01:20:06And knocking down the first of the Bombers' free throw situation.
01:20:11And that three was probably the biggest shot of the game for Kentucky.
01:20:14Remember, he was down to 7.
01:20:16That gave him the road reading and put it back to 10.
01:20:20Kid Gilchrist is going to come in.
01:20:25Forteague.
01:20:27In just 53 seconds.
01:20:32More size and defense on the floor for Kentucky with that substitution.
01:20:36Taylor trying to escape the length of Davis and is able to drive in
01:20:50with a beautiful basket.
01:20:53Taylor having a big night.
01:20:56Got 19.
01:20:58Kentucky up by 6.
01:21:00That was it, fellas.
01:21:05Kansas' last timeout.
01:21:09I would expect Kentucky to get Teague back into the ballgame
01:21:12for his free throw shooting and his ball handling.
01:21:15You want to get the ball to Teague, Miller, Lamb.
01:21:17The one guy you don't want to touch the ball here is Jones.
01:21:20We've documented his foul shooting problems.
01:21:23But for the most part, Kentucky, an excellent free throw shooting team
01:21:26for Kansas, you've got to go for the steal right away.
01:21:28And if not, you commit the foul.
01:21:36The tournament that began with two of the greatest comebacks
01:21:39you'll ever see in Dayton.
01:21:40We were there for the first four.
01:21:41Western Kentucky with the biggest comeback in the history of the tournament
01:21:44inside of five minutes.
01:21:46Then BYU that night under Coach Dave Rose.
01:21:48The biggest comeback in the history of the tournament
01:21:49from 25 down to win.
01:21:52This has been...
01:21:53They don't get all the way...
01:21:55With these comeback games.
01:21:55Yeah, you know, there have been so many double-digit comeback wins this tournament.
01:21:59The pace was set.
01:22:01You're right.
01:22:02There's only 39 seconds here.
01:22:05It's a lot of comeback to do.
01:22:07Although, if you can somehow get a turnover and a quick score,
01:22:13the possibility looms.
01:22:14Over to Teague.
01:22:19Teague fouled by...
01:22:21Releford.
01:22:24Playing with so much confidence over the last two months of the season.
01:22:28What do you want, gentlemen?
01:22:29Credit to him as much as he was maligned by so many.
01:22:34That he's been able to really grow and...
01:22:36...lead this team.
01:22:37Oh, and Kansas rebounds.
01:22:40Robinson.
01:22:42Oh, you got to push it quick.
01:22:46Trying to get...
01:22:48Teague had a Johnson free.
01:22:49Good look.
01:22:50Johnson.
01:22:51Oh, he traveled!
01:22:52And he made the shot after the travel.
01:22:54No bad score.
01:22:56Wow.
01:22:57Can you imagine?
01:22:59Took a little hop there, guys.
01:23:01Yeah, he sure did.
01:23:02Oh, he got both feet off the floor.
01:23:03No question about it.
01:23:05That's Anthony Davis right there.
01:23:07I mean, he felt him.
01:23:08And then he saw him.
01:23:10But he couldn't react in time.
01:23:22Penn Miller gets away from Teague.
01:23:24He had.
01:23:25Seconds.
01:23:26Valuable seconds.
01:23:28Fading away to the finish line with 17 seconds.
01:23:31And double bonus.
01:23:48Lamb at the line for two.
01:23:50Huge.
01:24:02Coach Calipari 17 seconds away from his first national championship.
01:24:07You know, he's been so loose here this week, Jim.
01:24:11And I think it's been a little bit of an act.
01:24:13Because this has to mean so much to him.
01:24:16But he continues to say, this means nothing to my legacy.
01:24:19This is all about my team.
01:24:21But I think it's been a great coaching job by him to keep his team loose and relaxed.
01:24:26And not let them get up.
01:24:27Get caught up in the pressure of the moment.
01:24:30Lamb will have that critical stretch with a couple of threes in this half.
01:24:34In the span of 38 seconds.
01:24:37Stacks up and hits two.
01:24:38Kentucky fans think they have it now.
01:24:55Johnson threw it.
01:24:56Sherratt into the arms of Davis.
01:24:59And the superior team all season long was the superior team tonight.
01:25:04And the Kentucky Coronation is complete.
01:25:10Champions 2012.
01:25:11Champions 2012.
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