#Badgers Win... Whew!

That's what a Sweet Sixteen game should be like.  Down to the wire with both teams leaving it all on the court.

Badgers won 79 - 72 and advance to the Elite Eight Quarterfinal match with the Arizona Wildcats (68 - 60 winner over Xavier).

Muddling at times with some majestic moments, Wisconsin defeated a tough North Carolina squad that was hitting its shots and making it tough for the Badgers to find their rhythm.

Jump started by Sam Dekker in the first half with shots from deep and strong drives to the hoop kept UW in the game while Frank "the Tank" Kaminsky and Nigel Hayes had a tough time getting their game going.  It felt at times like the Tar Heels had found a way to get the Badgers to play quicker than they wanted and had Wisconsin playing on their heels waiting for their shots to fall.
 

In the second half, North Carolina shot themselves in front by 7.  Wisconsin responded with a burst of defensive stops and an injection of energy from sophomore Zak Showalter.  All of a sudden, the Badgers re-took the lead with just over five minutes to play.

You like your odds at that point if you are the Badgers.  Undefeated this year when leading with 5 to go; Wisconsin played tough defense and converted their free throw opportunities down the stretch.

This game had me on the edge of the couch for the second half and my "W" hat bill facing backwards during the second stanza to help UW find their mojo.  It was a good sign to see the steely disposition of the team when it came to crunch time.


It's tougher to win sometimes when everybody has you in the cross-hairs, watching this team take that challenge and overcome it was impressive.

The mantra of the NCAA is to "survive and advance."

That's what Wisconsin did.  It wasn't their best effort of the season.  They may need it tomorrow in the Elite Eight game.

Several bright spots stood out for Wisconsin.  Sam Dekker had maybe his best game.  Traevon Jackson played for the first time since breaking his foot in early January.  And Showalter was a pesky defender and ball of energy on offense.

The next game will be an even stiffer challenge.  I can't wait.  Go Badgers!