In 2011, the UConn Huskies men’s basketball team rode the back of Kemba Walker all the way through the Big East Tournament and NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament to become National Champions.
Back then, freshman Shabazz Napier soaked it all in, hoping to get back and lead his team to a championship.
Napier did just that on Monday night as he led UConn past the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 to win the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
The 2014 National Champs finish their season at 32-8 while Kentucky ends up at 29-11.
It’s the fourth NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship for UConn. They have previously won it all in 1999, 2004 and of course 2011.
Niels Giffey, Tyler Olander and Napier also become the first group of seniors to win two National Championships in a UConn uniform.
Napier led the way with 22 points and six rebounds. Ryan Boatright added 14 points while Giffey had 10. DeAndre Daniels and Lasan Kromah tied Napier for the team-high with six rebounds.
James Young led Kentucky with 20 points and seven rebounds. Julius Randle was the only other member of the Wildcats in double digits with 10 points.
UConn Huskies vs Kentucky Wildcats 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship box score
photo credit: richard messina – hartford courant
