March 15, 1999
By MARY FOSTER
AP Sports Writer
NEW ORLEANS (AP) – It took defending champion Kentucky a little longer toget to the next step on the road to the Final Four.
In a battle between two of the most storied teams in college basketballhistory – and their first postseason encounter – Kentucky needed an overtimebefore edging Kansas 92-88 in the NCAA Midwest Regional. The victory sends theWildcats on to the Midwest semifinal in St. Louis on Friday.
To the surprise of many, Miami of Ohio will be Kentucky’s opponent. TheRedhawks moved into the Regional semifinals for the first time by upsettingNo.2 seed Utah 66-58.
Against Kansas, Scott Padgett scored a career-high 29 points -including 23in the last 10 minutes and seven of Kentucky’s 13 in overtime.
Padgett, whose 3-point basket forced the overtime, opened the extraperiodwith a 19-foot jumper and then added five free throws in the final 1:05 forKentucky (27-8). He also had three of his 10 rebounds in the overtime.
“A lot of teams down six with a minute left would fold,” Padgett said.We’ve been there before and no one panicked.”
Padgett’s 3-pointer with 18.7 seconds left in regulation tied the gameat 79and ended a 4:32 stretch in which Kentucky didn’t make a field goal.
Kansas (23-10) still had a chance in regulation, but freshman JeffBoscheewas stripped by Turner while making a move to the basket. Kenny Gregorycame upwith the ball in the corner, but couldn’t make the shot at the buzzer.
“When you’re sitting by yourself, you call it bad luck,” Kansas coach RoyWilliams said. “But I’m realistic enough to know that Padgett made a greatplay to get it to overtime and then kept going.”
Ryan Robertson led Kansas with 31 points, including four 3-pointersand 13of 14 free throws. Boschee scored his 18 points on six 3-pointers.
The Jayhawks made 8-of-14 3-pointers in the second half, but just1-of-8 inovertime.
Wayne Turner had 19 points for Kentucky, while Heshimu Evans added 14.
Miami (24-7) had never before won two consecutive tournament games.AgainstUtah, the Redhawks showed plenty of poise.
Forward Wally Szczerbiak, who scored 43 points in Miami’s opener, shot 48percent from the floor, made 15 of 17 free throws and matched the Utes with 27rebounds.
Utah (28-5) held Szczerbiak to 24 points, only to have his teammates stepup. John Estick scored 18 points and had six rebounds and reserve JasonStewartadded 12, including three consecutive 3-pointers in the first half to bringtheRedhawks back from an 11-point deficit to 24-22.
“He stung us pretty good with those shots,” Utah coach Rick Majerus said.
Szczerbiak was still a big presence in the game. His was perfect onhis 10free throws, including six in the final 89 seconds. He also grabbed sevenrebounds and had five assists.
“He’s definitely one of the best players I’ve ever had to guard, ifnot thebest,” said Utah’s Alex Jensen. “It was tough because every time he came downthe court he came off some picks to get open shots.”
Andre Miller led Utah with 20 points, Hanno Mottolo had 12. They were theonly Utes to score in double figures.
Utah, which won 23 straight and made it all the way to thechampionship gamelast season, ranked third nationally in defense this season. The Utes hadaveraged 72 points a game and been held under 60 points only three times thisseason.
Kentucky has played in three straight national championship games andgone19-1 in the last 20 NCAA tournament games.
“I feel we can play anybody,” Szczerbiak said. “They’re just a name.”
