Gov. Steve Beshear and West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin are wagering on their home teams in tonight’s Sweet 16 NCAA tournament basketball game.
Gov. Beshear bet a selection of Kentucky bourbons from Lexington-area distillers that the Wildcats will prevail over the Mountaineers. Bourbons are provided by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
A similar offer has been extended to North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory for tomorrow night’s game between the University of Louisville Cardinals and the N.C. State Wolfpack.
“The Wildcats are talented, unselfish and focused, and by the way, they’re also undefeated. They’ve been a thrill to watch all season,” said Gov. Beshear. “The Mountaineers have a gritty and gutsy team, so this game is sure to be tough, but I’m certain the Wildcats will march on the Elite Eight.”
Gov. Tomblin offered a small basket of West Virginia favorites, including pepperoni rolls, West Virginia spirits and a commemorative Homer Laughlin China plate if the Wildcats beat the Mountaineers.
“Joanne and I wish both teams the best of luck as they take the court Thursday night in Cleveland,” Gov. Tomblin said. “I look forward to joining fellow alumni, students and fans to cheer on the Mountaineers during what is sure to be a fast-paced and exciting game. Although Kentucky is undefeated this season and is the top ranked team in the country, I have great confidence Coach Bob Huggins and the #PressVirginia defense will find a way to shut down the Wildcats’ high-powered offense.”
The University of Kentucky Wildcats and the West Virginia University Mountaineers play tonight at approximately 8:45 p.m. on CBS.