Image via Complex Original
Tonight, Kentucky takes on UConn in the 2014 NCAA Tournament Championship Game. For the 1,780 people on ESPN.com who correctly predicted a Kentucky-UConn final, tonight feels like fate—and a chance to score some nice bracket pool cash. Neither Kentucky nor UConn were heralded coming in to the tournament. Kentucky limped to an eight seed after an inconsistent season, and UConn was merely a seven seed—fodder for a big boy. They've upset and busted their way into tonight's finals, and with a champion to crown tonight, it's time to look back at this year's tournament madness in Shining Moments: Recapping the Best and Worst of 2014 NCAA Tournament in GIFs.
RELATED: The Best Sports GIFs of March 2014
RELATED: GIF Gallery: The Worst Amateur Athlete Fails
It Looks Weird, But it Works!
Date: 3/20/2014
Game: American @ Wisconsin
American University isn't exactly on ESPN every week, so when American center Tony Wroblicky took his first free throw of the tournament, many gawking eyes were fixed on his motion. Wroblicky changed his motion after first-year American head coach Mike Brennan took the reigns, working with Wroblicky to smooth out his shot's kinks. It's worked too. Wroblicky shot 72% from the line with his one-handed stroke this season-up from 55% over his previous three seasons.
Ball Don't Lie
Date: 3/20/2014
Game: Wofford @ Michigan
Wofford's Eric Garcia let fly from downtown to try and bring Wofford back into the game after Michigan's 14-0 run to open up the half, but like the rest of his team's offense, his shot got a little stuck.
Cameron Ridley's Buzzer-Beater Downs Arizona State
Date: 3/20/2014
Game: Arizona State @ Texas
When you're 6'9" 285 lbs, you'll usually be in the right place at the right time down low. Cameron Ridley was in the perfect position to gather the rebound after Jonathan Holmes's missed jumper. His put-back secured a 87-85 win for the Longhorns and a spot in the round of 32. They fell to Michigan 79-65 two days later.
Spill Your Hurt All On the Floor
Date: 3/20/2014
Game: Arizona State @ Texas
The aforementionedCameron Ridley lay-up was awesome for all parties, because this GIF of State's bench losing all hope for a bright future now exists. *files in the "disappointment/hurt" section of reaction GIFs folder*
Ryan Boatright's Vision is King
Date: 3/20/2014
Game: St. Joseph's @ UConn
This dish to Amida Brimah is so sweet, we're glad that GIFs are set to an infinite loop.
Andrew Wiggins Brings Down the House, Raises His Draft Stock
Date: 3/21/2014
Game: Eastern Kentucky @ Kansas
Wiggins scored 19 points in an easy 80-69 opening round victory for Kansas. Eleven days after Kansas lost in the round of 32, Wiggins declared for the NBA Draft.
Mercer Dude Nae Naes Into Our Hearts
Date: 3/21/2014
Game: Mercer @ Duke
It's a shame that Mercer couldn't stick around to knock off more giants, because seeing the YEET done on national television would've been special.
How It Feels To Beat Duke
Date: 3/21/2014
Game: Mercer @ Duke
Mercer guard Anthony White Jr. dropped a tight robotic videobomb after their upset of Duke.
Duck Fuke
Date: 3/21/2014
Game: Providence @ UNC
During some tournament first round action, this UNC fan dropped the GOAT announcer videobomb.
The Ref Defends the Peace
Date: 3/22/2014
Game: Oregon @ Wisconsin
You stay classy, Jason Calliste. With the game already in hand for the Badgers (0.6 seconds were left), Calliste couldn't help but to take his frustrations out on Wisconsin's Traevon Jackson.
Dayton Runs Into the Hearts of Basketball Fans Everywhere
Date: 3/22/2014
Game: Dayton @ Syracuse
Cinderella officially came out after 11 seeded Dayton upset 3 seed Syracuse to advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in 30 years. The Flyers made it all the way to the Elite Eight before Billy Donovan's Florida ended their epic run as David.
Shabazz Napier Really Does This
Date: 3/22/2014
Game: UConn @ Villanova
In addition to this high-glass beauty, Napier poured in 25 points as UConn beat second seeded Villanova 77-65 in what was one of the tournament's most shocking early upsets.
More Cowbell!
Date: 3/23/2014
Game: Standford @ Kansas
Drugs are bad, kids. But NCAA Tournament upsets, like Stanford's over Kansas? Awesome.
The Salty Tears of Defeat
Date: 3/23/2014
Game: Standford @ Kansas
After 10th seeded Stanford upset Kansas in the round of 32, Kansas fans were feeling some type of way. Unfortunately for this kid, his feels were broadcast on national television.
Iowa State Coach Fred Hoiberg is Having More Fun Than You
Date: 3/23/2014
Game: UNC @ Iowa State
Don't front—this is exactly how you dance after three drinks at the bar.
Aaron Rodgers is Talismanic
Date: 3/27/2012
Game: Baylor @ Wisconsin
Aaron Rodgers is a PAC-10 product, but he's been known to support all Wisconsin-area sports. There's no doubt that the former Super Bowl MVP blessed the Final Four finishing Badgers with some of his winning fairy dust.
John Calipari Shuns His Adult Motor Skills
Date: 3/28/2014
Game: Kentucky @ Louisville
For toddlers, this is the classic "I'm coming over there to get what I want mom" walk. Coach Cal got his W over Louisville, but only after exposing his physical vulnerabilities to his players through this short step-by-step walk.
The Hurt of Losing
Date: 3/28/2014
Game: Kentucky @ Louisville
After Kentucky beat state rivals Louisville 74-69 to advance to the Elite Eight, Louisville guard Russ Smith couldn't contain his hurt. Naturally he bricked it.
Kevin Ollie Demands Discipline
Date: 3/29/2014
Game: UConn @ Iowa State
Terrence Samuel got his revenge later in the tournament though.
The Shot of the Tournament (So Far)
Date: 4/5/2014
Game: Wisconsin @ Kentucky
Aaron Harrison is the most clutch basketball player on the planet at the moment. In the span of eight days, he's hit three go-ahead/game-winning three-pointers for Kentucky. If tonight's game comes down to the final possession, it's a wrap. Harrison's got it.
