Today on KSR: Highlands wins first Sweet 16 final; NCAA National Championship game set

On3 imageby:Sam Gormley04/04/21

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Les Nicholson Photography

A wild Saturday of basketball brings us to a calm Easter Sunday across the Commonwealth.

Yesterday, the Highlands Bluebirds won their first ever basketball championship with a win over Elizabethtown at Rupp Arena. In Indianapolis, it was Baylor who smoked Houston in game one of the Final Four before Gonzaga survived thanks to a desperation heave at the buzzer to beat UCLA.

Now onto the news you need to know to start your Easter Sunday:

Highlands wins Sweet 16

(Photo courtesy of Les Nicholson)

After defeating Ashland Blazer in game one on Saturday, the Highlands Bluebirds, champions of the 9th Region, turned to Elizabethtown to try and complete the run to the title.

NKU signee Sam Vinson led all scorers with 20 points in the 79-60 win over the Panthers.

For KSR’s full recap of the championship game, visit this link.

National Championship Game Set

@ZagMBB

Monday’s NCAA National Championship game has been set after Baylor and Gonzaga picked up wins in the Final Four on Saturday.

Game one left a lot to be desired as the Bears cruised to a 78-59 over the Houston Cougars.

The nightcap was potentially the game of the tournament. UCLA Bruin and former Cat, Johnny Juzang, did all he could in scoring 29 points, including the game-tying shot with 3.3 seconds remaining in overtime. It proved to not be enough though as Bulldog freshman phenom Jalen Suggs knocked down a long three as time expired to send the Zags to the championship game.

That shot will go down in March Madness history. Does this mean we can finally stop with the Laettner shot? No?

KY native Justin Powell commits to Tennessee

(Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

In Kentucky basketball news, former North Oldham star and Auburn transfer Justin Powell officially announced he will be playing in Knoxville for Tennessee.

When the shooter announced his intentions to transfer last month, all signs pointed to Kentucky, but KSR’s Matt Jones reports that Powell was never offered by John Calipari.

With the addition earlier in the week of Kellan Grady, Powell’s decision became less important to next season’s team.

‘Swaggy Cal’ makes a return

Photo by Chet White | UK Athletics

Since losing to Mississippi State in the SEC tournament, John Calipari has been fairly quiet. Sure, he had his radio show and some comments in press releases, but nothing much. That ended yesterday.

Calipari joined ESPN’s College Gameday to talk about a multitude of things, but it was one line that should have fans very excited.

Swaggy Cal is returning and I am here for it.

Minnesota’s Marcus Carr is a legitimate option

(Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Next season’s Kentucky basketball team is beginning to take shape, but the offense is still a question especially from the guard perspective. One option that has been on the table is Minnesota’s Marcus Carr.

Many of the ‘experts’ believe that he will enter his name into the NBA Draft, but if he doesn’t, Kentucky is one of the leaders to grab the top player.

KSR’s Jack Pilgrim dove deeper into the potential decision. To read that, click here.

UK Softball smashes Tennessee

(UK Athletics | Chris Shoals)

The University of Kentucky softball team continued their hot stretch in a run-rule victory over Tennessee on Saturday.

Freshman Erin Coffel helped pace the offense by hitting two home runs in the 13-2 victory over the Lady Vols.

Today, the Cats will go for their first-ever series win in Knoxville. The rubber match is slated to air nationally on ESPNU with 2:00 pm slated for the first pitch.

UK Baseball swept by Mississippi State

(UK Athletics)

Coming off the heels of a road sweep at Auburn last weekend, the Kentucky baseball team now has a taste of their own medicine as Mississippi State finished off a sweep of their own of the Cats on Saturday.

The 4-3 loss to the Bulldogs moves Kentucky to 18-7 on the season with a road showdown against Louisville set for Tuesday evening.

For the recap of Saturday’s game, click here.


That’s the news you need to start your Sunday. I hope you and your family have a great Easter, and if you don’t celebrate, have a great Sunday. Go Cats!

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2024-03-27