Kentucky-UConn title game tips off in North Texas

SCHUYLER DIXON

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The national championship game between freshman-laden Kentucky and Connecticut has tipped off.

The Wildcats are trying to win their second title in three seasons with the first all-freshman starting five since Michigan's Fab Five lost in 1992.

The Huskies had two starting seniors Monday night who played roles on UConn's 2011 championship team — point guard Shabazz Napier and forward Niels Giffey.

Kentucky will be without sophomore center Willie Cauley-Stein because of an ankle injury. Sophomore forward Alex Poythress was expected to play after tweaking a knee in the celebration after the Wildcats beat Wisconsin in the semifinals Saturday.

Among the starters for Kentucky was Aaron Harrison, who hit decisive 3-pointers in three straight games before the title matchup.