The top-ranked, Derrick Rose-led Memphis Tigers had one weakness: Free throw shooting. The problem haunted them throughout the championship game. Rose made one of two free throws to give the Tiigers a 63-60 lead with 10 seconds remaining. Kansas guard Sherron Collins dribbled the ball upcourt so fast he nearly stumbled and lost possession of the ball before handing the ball to Chalmers, who drained the tying three-pointer with 2.5 seconds remaining. The Jayhawks went on to win 75-68 in overtime.
The second-ranked Beavers had won 26 consecutive games during the season, but were ominously blown out 87-67 by Arizona State in the final game of the regular season.