UNC basketball is celebrating Kentucky March Madness loss for 1 key reason

Kentucky’s March Madness loss to Kansas State in the Round of 32 was a big win for UNC basketball with an NCAA record on the line.

In a battle of the Wildcats in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament, No. 6 Kentucky fell to No. 3 Kansas State, 69-75.

Senior guard Markquis Nowell led Kansas State with 27 points (7-14 FG, 3-8 3PT, 10-11 FT), nine assists, and three steals. Meanwhile, Kentucky got great performances out of freshman guard Cason Wallace and senior forward Oscar Tshiebwe. The duo combined for 46 points, 27 rebounds, five assists, and four steals, while shooting an efficient 17-24 from the field.

Unfortunately, the rest of the team shot only 9-39 from the field, and Kentucky lost the turnover battle 16-8.

This game had large ramifications in the NCAA basketball history books, as Kentucky’s loss turned out to be a massive win for UNC basketball.

UNC basketball maintains NCAA Tournament wins record over Kentucky

With the loss, UNC basketball maintained their record for all-time NCAA Tournament wins (131). Kentucky could have tied that record with a win on Sunday.

UNC is one of the most prominent programs in college basketball history. They secured their first national championship in 1957, and they have not slowed down since. Since 1975, the Tar Heels have made 44 NCAA Tournament appearances and won five titles.

Kentucky remains a threat to break the record, however. The Wildcats have enjoyed a lot of success in recent years, and they have the best 2023 recruiting class in the nation, according to 247Sports.

Despite missing the tournament, UNC fans have found a couple of things to celebrate. Obviously, holding onto the all-time win record is a big one. In addition, their rival Duke suffered a second-round loss to Tennessee.