Kentucky Beats Baylor in NCAA Men's Basketball Championship

The 1948 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament involved 8 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball.

It began on March 19, 1948, and ended with the championship game on March 23 in New York City. A total of 10 games were played, including a third place game in each region and a national third place game.
Kentucky, coached by Adolph Rupp, won the national title with a 58-42 victory in the final game over Baylor, coached by Bill Henderson. Alex Groza of Kentucky was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

After winning a fifth straight SEC title, Kentucky came into the NCAAs with a record of 33–3 and met defending NCAA titlist Holy Cross in the East Regional final. The Crusaders were 26–2 and riding an 18–game winning streak. They also had George Kaftan back and a sophomore ballhandling whiz named Bob Cousy in the backcourt.