Steven graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications, focusing on film studies, journalism and theatre arts. Dubbed a "prolific" writer by Hollywood icon Kenneth Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, V, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation), Steven has been honored by the Arkansas College Media Association for his story writing prowess. He has also received recognition for his dramatic writing from the Eerie, Shriekfest and Screamfest horror film festivals. Publications include: Carroll County News, Saline Courier, Forum, Echo and Moroch.

Duke defeats pesky Badgers for National Championship

Posted Monday, April 6, 2015, at 11:45 PM

Photo credit: Getty Images

DURHAM, N.C. — Wisconsin finally shows its true colors and folds like an old lawn chair, as Duke wins the NCAA Championship, 68-63. The Badgers watched their nine-point lead evaporate, in the second half, even with Duke's freshman sensation Jahlil Okafor on the bench in foul trouble.

Wisconsin sputtered to the finish line against the superior Blue Devils. Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski wins his fifth National Title (1991, 1992, 2001, 2010 and 2015).

"They showed such grit tonight," said Krzyzewski. "Our bench was spectacular, and like we said about two months ago, eight is enough. Eight is enough."

Four Badgers scored in double figures lead by senior Frank Kaminsky. Kaminsky had a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds, but it wasn't enough. Sam Dekker only contributed 12 points, as he was a paltry 0-6 from 3-point range.

At the 13:23 mark of the second half, Wisconsin took their biggest lead, 48-39. Duke outscored the Badgers 29-15 the rest of the way. Tyus Jones hit a 3-pointer, with 4:09 left in the game, to give the Blue Devils a 59-58 lead. It was a lead they would not relinquish.

After the game, Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan whined like a second grader whose lunch money was stolen. He was obviously unhappy with the officiating. "It's just a shame that it had to be played that way," Ryan said to CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson.

"I told these guys how proud I was of them," Ryan said. "It was just a situation where you just have to be able to handle all the hands and the checking, I mean there was more body contact in this game than any game we played all year."

"I think they're struggling with that a little bit," Ryan continued. "We missed some opportunities, they hit some tough shots. It's just a shame that it had to be played that way."

Ryan is obviously both bias and oblivious to the fact that his team manhandled Kentucky's star forward Karl-Anthony Towns in last Saturday's Final Four match-up.

Bottom line: Wisconsin is an overtly physical team, too, but this time they didn't get away with it. It's a shame to see a professional coach berate the sport of basketball, especially when it is played in the same manner in which he is consistently coaching and teaching it.

While Okafor struggled for Duke, T. Jones lead all scorers with 23 points. But it was the unexpected contribution by freshman Grayson Allen that helped the Blue Devils break the hapless Badgers. Grayson scored 16 points off the bench.