My bracket wasn't perfect just two games into the Round of 64, but all the teams I selected for the Final Four are alive. The Badgers earned a convincing win over Coastal Carolina Friday, and gritted its way to a victory over a determined squadron of Ducks from Oregon.
Just 52 games into the 67 of the tournament there have been plenty of exciting moments, one might even call them shining moments...
Identifying the best moments is in the eye of the beholder. But I'd suggest the Georgia State upset over Baylor, the University of Alabama Birmingham's take down of highly favored Iowa State, and North Carolina State's escape past Louisiana State before upsetting #1 Villanova as the best so far.
Left with just 15 games to play - it's time for the big boys to take the court. The opening of the Madness is about the smaller, less well-known schools to have their time in the sun. After that, it's generally the "name" schools that rise to the top.
You know the Sweet Sixteen has big names when the least expected arrival to the party is UCLA - which has more than its share of NCAA Basketball Championship banner hanging from the rafters of Pauley Pavilion.
That's 10 of the Sweet 16; 7 of the Elite Eight are alive; and all of my Final Four.
One thing that struck me during the Badger game with the Ducks was how this is probably the first time - ever - that Wisconsin has the burden of huge expectations.
Last year was the highest seed ever for the program, but even then, the most fervent, dyed in the wool Badger fanatics only dared hope of a trip to the Final Four.
Enjoying that ride to Dallas and the large ballroom hosting the most exclusive of dances was a bit like Cinderella wondering how she got into the ball.
This year before the season started, the team named three goals: a B1G conference title, a B1G tournament crown, and an NCAA championship. Wisconsin won the championship in 1941 - but there wasn't the same kind of attention or number of games in the gauntlet for teams to navigate.
Bucky lost just one player who had a lot of playing time from last year's team, everyone else came back.
The best thing they brought back with them was an attitude. It's a confidence that kept them from losing their cool when Oregon tied the game and a reassurance that all would be well when their starting point guard broke his foot in early January. (The hope is Traevon Jackson may be able to return to play some this next weekend.)
Coach Bo Ryan trusts his players and the experienced quintet plus 3 reserves have rewarded that trust with their play.
There are two wins to make the trip to Indianapolis... my dance card is still open.
Go Badgers, Go!
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