Ironically, it was Kentucky who would beat Utah once again, ending the 2nd winningest season in school history.

By beating Utah in the first round, they won their first playoff series since 1988.

"We're entitled to defend what we have until we lose it," Jordan said after the Bulls beat Utah for the championship.

They needed 111 minutes to beat Utah and Charlotte, and six players have shouldered most of the burden.

The Lobos finally beat Utah in Salt Lake City for the first time since 1989.

"You almost have to play a perfect game," Scott said of beating Utah.

They had been sky-high after beating Utah two nights earlier.

It is not as if the Nets thought they would beat Utah, but "we expected to be a lot closer," Kerry Kittles said.

This was the Bulls' second straight title, and fifth overall (They completed the 3-peat by beating Utah again in 1998).

The Wildcats showed plenty of each in beating Utah, 62-52, on Friday.