Upset of the Year: No. 14 Oakland University Defies Odds and Knocks Out No. 3 Kentucky in NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
The excitement of March Madness reached new heights as another shocking upset unfolded in the ongoing NCAA men’s basketball tournament. This time, it was No. 3 seed Kentucky who succumbed to the underdog spirit, falling 80-76 against No. 14 seed Oakland University at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Golden Grizzlies, hailing from the southeastern Michigan school, stunned the basketball world with their stunning victory, marking their first-ever appearance in the tournament’s second round. This improbable success can be attributed to none other than senior guard Jack Gohlke, who put on a show with an impressive performance of 32 points.
Gohlke’s ten three-pointers in the game tied for the second most in a single NCAA tournament match, just shy of Jeff Fryer’s record of 11 set by Loyola Marymount in 1990. Oakland head coach Greg Kampe, who has been leading the team for 40 years now, acknowledged Gohlke’s crucial contribution to their historic win.
“This guy right here,” Kampe pointed at Gohlke during the post-game interview with CBS Sports broadcast, “he had no conscience. We talked all week, ‘Just go shoot it, baby. You’re the best.’ And he’s the best, and he proved it to the world tonight.”
Kampe further expressed his team’s excitement over their achievement while also acknowledging the challenges ahead. “We have a chance of a lifetime,” he shared, “This isn’t the end of it … We’ve got more, and the only way we are going to win on Saturday is to stay focused and take it one at a time.”
Gohlke, in an elated mood after the game, shared his thoughts on the once-in-a-lifetime experience. “It’s just something I’ve worked so hard for my whole career,” he said, “and coach just instills the confidence in me – gives me the freedom to go out there and play and influence the game in a positive way.”
The Wildcats, who have been struggling in recent NCAA tournament appearances, suffered their fifth loss in the last six games. Kentucky’s defeat at the hands of a double-digit seed marked the second time this occurred under coach John Calipari in the past three years.
“We are not Cinderella,” Gohlke asserted before exiting the arena with his coach.
Oakland will face the winner of the 6-seed Texas Tech and 11-seed North Carolina State on Saturday.
