NCAA - VCU, Butler, UConn and Kentucky reach Final Four

SAN ANTONIO (NCAA) - Virginia Commonwealth stormed into the NCAA Tournament Final Four on Sunday by knocking off Kansas 71-61.

In one of the most unlikely stories in tournament history, the Rams have taken advantage of their at-large bid that many felt they hadn’t deserved and moved to within two victories of the championship.

Shaka Smart's side stunned the Jayhawks by connecting on 12 of 25 shots from long range.

Kansas, who were the only top seed still alive after thrashing Richmond 77-57, crashed out of March Madness after making two of 21 from behind the arc.

Jamie Skeen poured in 26 points and corralled 10 rebounds for the Rams, who had to win a 'First Four' game just to enter the 64-team field.

VCU have beaten Southern California (59-46), Georgetown (74-56), Purdue (94-76), Florida State (72-72 OT) and Kansas to reach the Final Four.

"Once again we felt like nobody really thought we could win going into this game," VCU coach Shaka Smart said.

"Our guys have done a phenomenal job of putting all the doubters aside, all the people that didn't believe in us, and going out to do their job."

Kansas were led by Marcus Norris, who had 20 points and 16 rebounds.

Butler are back & Wildcats, too

VCU will take on Butler in the semi-finals because the Bulldogs won 74-71 in overtime against Florida.

Shelvin Mack's 27 points led the Bulldogs, who were beaten in last year's title game by Duke.

Butler had won 61-54 over Wisconsin to reach the Elite Eight.

Kentucky surprised the East Region’s top seed, Ohio State 62-60 in the Sweet 16.

They also had the hot hands against the University of North Carolina, hitting 12 of 22 shots from long range en route to a 76-69 win on Sunday.

Brandon Knight hit the game-winner against the Buckeyes and on Sunday against the Tar Heels, he led the way for the Wildcats with 22 points.

Kentucky reached the Final Four for the first time since 1998.

John Calipari had hoped to have Turkey sensation Enes Kanter in the line-up this season but the freshman center was ruled ineligible by the NCAA because of money he earned while playing for Fenerbahce Ulker as a teenager.

Kanter is expected to be a lottery pick in this summer's NBA Draft.

The Cats relied instead on Josh Harrellson and the unheralded senior center excelled with 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

"We got Kentucky back," Harrellson said.

"A lot of people doubted us. A lot of people really didn't think we'd be the team we are. We really pulled it together as a team, and we're back now."

Kentucky, the SEC champions, will square off against UConn in the semi-finals.

Calhoun’s Connecticut

UConn advanced with a 65-63 victory over Arizona - the team that had ended the title defense of Duke in the Sweet 16.

Kemba Walker scored 20 points for the Huskies, who are the Big East champions.

"Never did I imagine a team winning nine games in tournament play in 19 days," said UConn coach Jim Calhoun, whose side had won 74-67 against San Diego State in the Sweet 16.

"These brothers, these young guys, have just given me a thrill beyond compare.

"Our march in the past nine games, I haven't experienced anything like this."

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