NEW ORLEANS
Game One
Kentucky 69, Louisville 62
Why Kentucky won: The Wildcats never could really create enough distance to secure the outcome until the closing minute, largely because Anthony Davis was the only Kentucky player to perform at an elite level for the entire contest. But Terrence Jones, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist all came through in big ways when John Calipari’s crew was most threatened in the second half.
The Turning Point: Davis scored as the Wildcats beat the Cardinals’ full-court pressure to go up, 65-58, with 1:09 to go.
The Star: Davis went for 18 points, 14 rebounds, five blocked shots, two assists and a steal. Just as significantly, he was the reason why the Cardinals missed 16 dunks/layups and often fumbled passes or rebound attempts.
The X Factor: Kidd-Gilchrist scored all nine of his points after intermission; he played just the first six minutes of the first half after picking up his second foul.
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