Bluegrass bragging rights go to Wildcats

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS

OK, so maybe they’re not the quickest learners. Still, the kids at Kentucky figured out Louisville just in time.

Aaron Harrison hit a 3-pointer for the go-ahead score with 39 seconds left and Julius Randle made a pair of clutch free throws to lift the fantastic freshmen of UK to a 74-69 victory over their in-state rivals.

The eighth-seeded Wildcats (27-10) led for a grand total of 65 seconds in this Midwest Regional semifinal. They’ll play Michigan on Sunday for a trip to the Final Four.

Few expected a run this deep as this season played out and Kentucky’s five freshmen starters struggled to play a team game. But they’ve been learning slowly.

Actually, it was a sophomore, Alex Poythress, who scored five points in a 7-0 run that tied the game at 66 inside of 2 minutes. Then, it was the UK freshmen who showed poise against the defending champs, led by seniors Russ Smith (23 points) and Luke Hancock (19).

Harrison took a pass and spotted up in the corner for the go-ahead shot. Both finished with 15 points, as did yet another freshman, Dakari Johnson.

Louisville’s Wayne Blackshear got fouled. The 71-percent career free throw shooter missed the first. Julius Randle came down and made two free throws. Smith missed a tough look at a 3-pointer on the next possession.