Undefeated Wichita State Goes Down To Kentucky

It was an absolute heartbreaker for formerly undefeated Wichita State on Sunday afternoon, who fell just short of the Sweet 16 after losing to No. 8 seed Kentucky 78-76. This tournament has not been lacking for drama, but this game had one of the most dramatic finishes ever.

Close from beginning to end, the Shockers literally had victory in their hands as time was about to expire. If it had been a movie, the Scottrade Center would’ve gone silent as Fred VanVleet positioned himself for a slow motion three-point shot that, if good, would win it for Wichita State.

It was an emotional post game press conference for Wichita State players

Picture the end of Hoosiers, but instead of Jimmy Chitwood hitting the shot and winning the game, imagine he misses it and Hickory’s players all collapse in devastated defeat. Then John Calipari runs in to celebrate, once again proving that nice guys finish last.

The whole event probably even felt like it played out in slow motion for the Shockers, but in the worst possible way. The difference between real life and the movies is that good things happen way too fast in real life, but time slows down when you’re having your heart ripped out.

What’s funny is that, given the reputation of Calipari for recruiting one-and-done stars and the status of the Kentucky program, somehow it feels like a case of Goliath slaying David. Wichita State may have been the No. 1 seed, but they still felt like the scrappy underdog going up against the most successful program in Division I history.

For those that have followed the upstart Shockers through their Cinderella season, it was hard watching it come to an end in such soul-crushing fashion. Though some might have been skeptical of their chances to win it all, it was clear from seeing their players after the loss that they allowed themselves to believe it was possible.

Seriously though, even Kentucky’s coach was a little sad about Wichita State’s early exit. Said Calipari, “I’m happy we won. I’m happy for our guys. And I’m disappointed, because they had a heck of a run.”

They did have a heck of a run and it’s unfortunate that it ended too soon. But hey, at least Duke lost.