Congratulations UConn Huskies

Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Ryan Boatright (11) celebrates their 60-54 win during the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Connecticut Huskies out of the American Athletic Conference are your 2013-2014 NCAA Basketball National Champions.

In a matchup between the two lowest seeds in tournament history the UConn Huskies defeated the Kentucky Wildcats in a game that saw the Huskies lead for the entire game. Twice the score was tied but the Huskies never trailed.

Kentucky’s start freshmen were shut down by a veteran defense that stifled the Wildcats. The Harrison twins were held to a combined 15 points, Julius Randle put up 10 for the Wildcats while James Young answered with 20. The all freshmen starting team didn’t have the shots or physicality to handle UConn.

Led by Shabazz Napier the Huskies handled the Wildcats all night. Much like the Florida game UConn got up early, letting the opponent back in but never let the momentum shift in their favor. Napier led the Huskies with 22 points, Ryan Boatright complimented Napier with 14 of his own. Connecticut’s bench had a better night than Kentucky as well, Lasan Kromah had only four points but his six rebounds helped UConn get the lead they needed.

Connecticut comes out of the AAC, home to the Cincinnati Bearcats. Having the National Champion come out of the same conference you play is great for recruiting, television rights and respect as a whole. Cincinnati also beat UConn this season giving Bearcat fans something to be happy about after a dismal end to the season.

With Louisville leaving the AAC this summer Cincinnati and UConn are now the two basketball powerhouses left in the conference. Their two match ups next year will be vital for the conference standings.