It’s tough to say Wisconsin’s run to the Elite 8 isn’t the story of this college hoops weekend.
The No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers (19-14) take down the No. 3 Liberty Flames (27-9), 75-71, at the Kohl Center in the Sweet 16 of the National Invitational Tournament. The Badgers advance to the Elite 8 of the NIT for the first time in program history.
Chucky Hepburn scored a career-high 27 points. From the start, Hepburn took physical advantage of backcourt matchups by driving the ball and finishing more so then not. The byproduct was Hepburn going 9-for-11 from the free throw line.
The most shocking stat: this was the first time the Badgers have won consecutive games since January 3rd.
The crowd at the Kohl Center today was electric.
Kamari McGee gave UW a spark off the bench in the second half today. McGee hit two big free throws, forced a turnover with tenacious defense and added an assist and a rebound.
It’s the little things that go a long ways in games.
To me, the defining moment of the game was when the Badgers took a 73-71 lead with 24 seconds left, on the ensuing Liberty possession, Carter Gilmore played terrific defense on Darius McGhee and forced a tough baseline shot that missed. Max Klesmit got the rebound and was fouled and hit two free throws.
Survive & Advance! This is March!!
Up Next:
The Badgers will take on the winner of the Oregon/UCF game in the Elite 8 on either Tuesday OR Wednesday.
Oregon/UCF play tonight at 6:30 p.m. (Central Time) on ESPNU. If Oregon wins, the game will be played in Eugene, Oregon. If UCF wins, then the Badgers will host UCF at the Kohl Center.
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