Kentucky survives in double OT to advance to Final Four of Manager Games

Kentucky is going to the Final Four down in Houston for the 2023 Manager Games Championship, surviving an Elite Eight scare against Bellarmine — a double-overtime, sudden-death finish for the Wildcats.

The two teams were tied at the end of regulation, resulting in a three-minute overtime period. With yet another tie at the conclusion of that, it became a first-to-score-two-points win-or-go-home situation.

Ray Surratt, a 6-foot-11 standout formerly of Lafayette High School, knocked down back-to-back free throws in the clutch to earn the 35-33 win over the Knights. Manager teammates include Jonas Alger, Sean Dunleavy, Brody Dempsey, Clay Smith, Nicolas Chapman, Davis Hayes, Will Summers, and Kevin Gallagher, with grad assistant Riley Welch making a surprise appearance in the victory, as well.

Check out the shot that won it for the Wildcats:

The shot that won it for @UK_Managers pic.twitter.com/Y6Nm9NaKYb

— Manager Games (@ManagerGames_) March 31, 2023

Managers from 185 schools, ranging from Power 5 to mid-majors, compete against each other all season long in the underground basketball league for a berth in the tournament, which takes place at the Final Four Fan Fest. Fan voting determined the first three rounds, with #BBN carrying the No. 2 seed Cats past No. 12 seed Northern Kentucky, No. 7 seed Western Kentucky, and No. 11 seed Tennessee to earn a spot in the Elite Eight.

The Kentucky managers finished No. 5 in the final Manager Games Top 25 to close out the regular season.

What’s next for the Wildcats in the Final Four? None other than the Michigan Wolverines, who defeated Liberty 44-41 to advance. The semifinals and finals are set to take place throughout the day on Saturday, a chance for Kentucky to cut down the nets in Houston.

Take care of business, Cats.