To me it really is pretty simple. It's baically just talent, and especially the speed of that talent.
1) ISU was out-rebounded by a very talented, long UK frontline.....especially in the first half.
2) ISU's 3 point shooting was off, percentage wise. This was largely due to the fact that the UK guards are talented enough, and fast enough to extend the defense out to the perimeter when necessary, and get in ISU's face. I thought that UNC's guards were as close to ISU"s guards as anyone all season. ISU just did not have the spacing or freedom of movement on the perimeter they were used to.
3) UNC had shot poorly from 3 point range the last few games....like between 20 and 25 per cent. So it was logical on ISU's part to let them have the outside. That was also true because ISU does not really have the speed in all of the guard court to extend the perimeter and get in their faces. UK had some good looks at 3 point shots, and unfortunately made 1/2 of them.
4) It was a UK crowd, obviously. Would love to have seen this game at Hilton, or even Wells Fargo. But, that is the NCAA. Want that for ISU...get a high seed and hope Hilton, Wells Fargo, KC or Omaha is a site.