POLL: Could Kentucky Beat 76ers? Zolak & Bertrand Say Yes
BOSTON (CBS) - John Calipari's Kentucky Wildcats absolutely obliterated West Virginia Thursday night to advance to the Elite 8, winning by a score of 78-39 -- that's double the amount for you mathematicians at home.
With the win, Kentucky improved to 37-0 and appear destined to win the NCAA Tournament. They would become the first team since the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers to complete a perfect season.
Elite Eight Tale: #1 Kentucky Vs. #3 Notre Dame
Here's some stats to illustrate just how dominant Kentucky played against the Mountaineers:
- 39 points by West Virginia is the lowest scoring output in the Sweet 16 since the adoption of the shot clock
- No team in this year's tournament had scored less than 40 points in a game
- Daxter Miles Jr., the West Virginia freshman who predicted a win, had zero points and one rebound
- The leading scorers for both teams had 14 points, which speaks to the depth of Kentucky
- Kentucky held leads of 18-2, 30-9, 42-15, 54-19, 60-26 and 70-32 over WV
"Kentucky is a force," 98.5 The Sports Hub's Marc Bertrand said Friday morning.
"[Announcer] Len Elmore kept saying they could not beat an NBA team. I disagree. You think they would have a shot against the 76ers?" Zolak asked his co-host.
"I think they would. If there is one sport where a college team could beat a pro team, it's got to be the NBA. I think it's possible. Philadelphia might win eight out of 10 against Kentucky, but Kentucky could win the two."