WASHINGTON (March 30, 2011)—Connecticut Congressman Joe Courtney and Kentucky Congressman Ben Chandler announced a friendly wager over the Final Four matchup between the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the UConn Huskies.

Courtney wagered Cigars from Jarmoc Farms, UConn chocolate bars from Munson’s Chocolate Co., and two bottles of wine from Priam Vineyards. Chandler put up a basket of products from Central Kentucky, including Alltech’s Kentucky Ale, Ruth Hunt’s Blue Monday chocolate bars, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Mingua Beef Jerky, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, and Ruth Hunt’s Bourbon Balls, all put together by Completely Kentucky gifts.

“Walker is a great player, but I don’t think the UConn team can stop the Wildcats Saturday,” Chandler said. “Courtney’s Connecticut candy is going to taste great—sweet victory.  Every Kentuckian I know is swelling with pride right now after avenging an early season loss against North Carolina—now, it’s UConn’s turn.  I know we’re going to win, and win big, on Saturday night.  Go Cats!” 

“Kentucky has made a nice, unexpected run to the Final Four, but I’m afraid Coach Calipari is going to come up short again this year in his championship quest,” said Courtney. “Jim Calhoun has assembled a dynamic team with Wooden Award-candidate Kemba Walker and scorching-hot freshman Jeremy Lamb. The Huskies have won nine games in 19 days, including five straight to win the Big East Tournament. Already the top team in the toughest conference in college basketball, UConn is just two wins from Coach Calhoun’s third national championship.”

The Final Four matchup will be played on Saturday night.