As I get this column started, I’d like to remind you all of my Patreon community. That community is a big part of this website. If you’d like to become a member, you can go to https://www.patreon.com/nickobot.
The Wisconsin Badgers (24-10) lose a heartbreaker to the Michigan Wolverines (31-2) in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals, 68-65, from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. A Wisconsin defensive breakdown allowed Yaxel Lendeborg to hit a three-pointer with 0.4 seconds remaining, UW lost him in coverage.
Side note: Illinois fans rooting for Michigan today was such cuck behavior.
It was a brutal ending, but I’m proud of the boys. This team never gave up even when falling down by 15 in the second half. A lot of fight and grit from this group as it’s had all season.
Ultimately, I think the heavy legs for Wisconsin – playing third game in three days – played a huge role in this game. There was about a 15 minute stretch in the game from the final five minutes of the first half to about the 10 minute mark in the second half where the boys just looked tired.
This Big Ten Tournament was *almost* a perfect scenario for Wisconsin:
- Massive win against Illinois to solidify/improve seed line
- Toe to toe with a top three Michigan team, zero quit
- No injuries in the tournament
- Extra day to rest up for NCAA Tournament
The tournament was an unqualified success for Bucky.
The great news is Nolan Winter should be back next week after missing these last four games and we could possibly get Jack Janicki back as well.
I think the Badgers will either be a 5 or a 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Ultimately, I don’t care if the Badgers are a 5 or a 6, or whatever seed they end up getting, NO ONE will want to see this team near them in the NCAA Tournament bracket. I’d be willing to wager everyone wants NO PART with this Wisconsin team in the Dance — NONE! I’m more confident going into the Dance than I have been in a long time.
I’ll have another blog post in the next roughly 24 hours once I rewatch this game.
Leave a Reply