Wisconsin Leads Kentucky 40-36 at Halftime

Wisconsin is just 20 minutes away from the National Championship. The Badgers kept care of the ball and shot perfectly from the free throw line, giving them a 40-36 lead over Kentucky going into half.

The Badgers took care of the ball in the first half, committing just two turnovers. Kentucky also protected the ball fairly well, turning it over just four times.

Wisconsin was a perfect 14-14 from the free throw line in the first half, including 8-8 from Sam Dekker. Dekker was one of three Badgers in double figures in the first half. He had 12 points, Ben Brust added 10 and Bronson Koening scored 11. Frank Kaminsky had just 2 points.

Kentucky won the battle on the boards in the first half, out-rebounding Wisconsin 17-12. Four offensive boards helped the Wildcats to a very efficient half shooting the ball. They were 14-26 from the field.

Kentucky's scoring was very spread out. Julius Randle and James Young led the way with nine points each. Andrew and Aaron Harrison combined for just seven points. Eight Wildcats scored in the first half.

Julius Randle limped off the court late in the first half and Marcus Lee entered for Kentucky. The injury didn't look to severe, and Randle should be able to play in the second half.

It's a tight one in North Texas. Two different styles, but both very talented squads, will be battling for a shot at UCONN and the national title in the second half.