First 1-seed falls; Shockers’ perfect season over

By DAVE SKRETTA Associated Press

11 years ago

Wichita State guard Fred VanVleet (23) leaves the floor after missing a three-point attempt in the final seconds against Kentucky during the second half of a third-round game of the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March 23, 2014, in St. Louis. Kentucky won 78-76. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Kentucky’s Aaron Harrison, top left, shoots as Wichita State’s Ron Baker, top right, and Darius Carter defend during the first half of a third-round game of the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March 23, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall appeals to an official against Kentucky during the second half of a third-round game of the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March 23, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Kentucky players from left, guard/forward James Young (1), guard Aaron Harrison (2) and forward Julius Randle (30) celebrate against Wichita State during the second half of a third-round game of the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March 23, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Kentucky forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) dunks against Wichita State during the second half of a third-round game of the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March 23, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

ST. LOUIS — Andrew Harrison scored 20 points, twin brother Aaron had 19 and Kentucky ended Wichita State’s pursuit of perfection Sunday when Fred VanVleet’s potential game-winning 3-pointer missed in a 78-76 victory in the NCAA tournament.

Julius Randle had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and James Young also had 13 points for the No. 8 seed Wildcats (26-10), who made a series of clutch free throws in the final minutes to hold off the top-seeded Shockers in arguably the most captivating game of a thrilling first weekend.

Kentucky will play in-state rival Louisville in the Sweet 16 on Friday in Indianapolis.

Cleanthony Early scored 31 points and Ron Baker had 20 for the Shockers (35-1), who hadn’t lost since last year’s Final Four.