• The friendly wager is designed to connect the two regions in a positive way as OU and UofK vie to advance in the NCAA basketball tournament.
• The goods up for grabs will highlight items that are locally made and promote their respective regions.

Pontiac, Mich. ­– When a grizzly and a wildcat meet in the wilderness, nature takes its course. But when they meet on the hardwood during March Madness, there’s sportsmanship and athleticism.

That’s why Oakland County, Mich. Executive Dave Coulter, the chief elected official of the home of Oakland University, and Lexington, Ky. Mayor Linda Gorton, a University of Kentucky alum, are wagering on the outcome of Thursday’s NCAA basketball game between the two universities.

"Bring it on Mayor Gorton! Oakland County and Michigan basketball fans will all be watching on Thursday as our Golden Grizzlies roar into Pittsburgh for March Madness,” said Coulter. “Whatever the outcome, let’s celebrate our teams for their amazing season.”

“Our University of Kentucky Wildcats are now making their 61st appearance in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament - a record matched by no other team,” said Gorton. “I know the residents of Lexington, as well as so many around the world, are looking forward to another great March Madness season.”

The winner will receive a basket of goods that are unique to the losing official’s area. If the Wildcats win, Oakland County’s basket will include:

• An 8 Mile Road sign, representing the border between Oakland County and Detroit made famous by the Eminem movie 8 Mile, donated by the Road Commission for Oakland County
• An Oakland County t-shirt and hat
• An Oakland University t-shirt
• Some Garden Fresh salsa and chips, manufactured in Ferndale, Mich.
• Cookies from Men Bake Cookies in New Hudson, Mich.
• A glass paperweight from Epiphany Studios in Pontiac, Mich.
• A pen made of salvaged wood by Jeff Miller of the Huron Valley Council for the Arts in Highland, Mich.

If the Golden Grizzlies win, Lexington’s care package will include:

• Book of poetry by Ada Limón, Poet Laureate of the United States, and resident of Lexington
• JIF peanut butter, produced in Lexington
• University of Kentucky t-shirt
• Cap from Keeneland, world-renowned horse racing track in Lexington
• Bourbon chocolates from Old Kentucky Chocolates, made in Lexington
• KY for KY socks
• Lexington-branded stainless steel tumbler