Malloy, his Kentucky counterpart, can’t play the game but they can make side bets featuring regional delicacies

The Blogster would prefer the Kentucky ham, all things considered. Ah yes, the Final Four means wagers from on high.

Gov. Dannel Malloy has somehow succeeding in conning his Kentucky counterpart, Gov. Steve Beshear, into wagering a classic Kentucky ham against Storrs-made UConn Dairy Bar ice cream, over the outcome of the Cats/Huskies throwdown Saturday night in Houston.

“Governor Beshear’s Wildcats have been playing impressively, but it’s unfortunate for him that Kentucky’s run will end on Saturday when they meet our UConn Huskies,” said Malloy in some of the less-riveting copy to emerge from his communications office. “Governor Beshear will probably want to drown his sorrows in a big bowl of UConn Dairy Bar ice cream when his Wildcats lose, but I’ll be the one enjoying his ham instead! I’m looking forward to an exciting game, and another chance to cheer on Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lamb and the UConn Huskies.”

The release even included a canned quote from Beshear, whose basketball-crazy state, by comparison, makes Connecticut a front-runner-oriented locale that is great in its support for winners, but interest drops off sharply when they’re not that good.

“Everyone knows that Kentucky is the premier state for outstanding college basketball and fine country hams,” said Governor Beshear. “I’m putting up one of our best hams in a bet with Governor Malloy, and I am looking forward to enjoying the homemade UConn Dairy Bar ice cream.  The Big Blue Nation is primed and ready for this Final Four game against the UConn Huskies, and we’re expecting a fantastic game on Saturday night.”

The Blogster, once a supporter of Kentucky hoops, thinks UConn might run out of gas for this one. Somebody, sooner or later, has to figure out Kemba Walker.