Gov. Beshear bet a basket of Kentucky bourbons from Lexington-area distillers that the University of Kentucky will prevail over the University of Wisconsin. Bourbons are provided by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Gov. Walker bet a basket of Wisconsin cheese, sausage and root beer that Wisconsin will beat Kentucky in the matchup.
“For the second year in a row, the 'Cats will be facing the Badgers in what is sure to be another thrilling Final Four game between the two teams,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky has already made history with an undefeated season, and we’ll be rooting them on to continue the streak this weekend. Go 'Cats!”
Also, Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway will enter into a friendly wager with Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel over the outcome of Saturday night’s game. If UK wins, Attorney General Schimel will give Attorney General Conway an assortment of Sargento Cheeses, Johnsonville Brats and Leinenkugel Beer. If Wisconsin wins, Conway will give Schimel a Meacham’s country ham from Union County, where Attorney General Conway’s father was born and raised.
The last time Wisconsin and UK met in men’s basketball was last year in the Final Four, when UK beat Wisconsin by 1 point on a long 3-pointer by Aaron Harrison with 6 seconds left in the game. Many of the same players from that game return for the rematch including Wisconsin NCAA tourney superstars Frank Kamensky and Sam Dekker. Kentucky returns the Harrison twins but also has a new cast of freshman playing in their first Final Four. Willie Cauley-Stein was on the team last season but was not able to play in the game due to injury. UK has four overall wins in the all-time series to Wisconsin’s one.
The Wildcats will tip off against the Badgers Saturday at approximately 7:49 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
