With the Sweet 16 on the line, neither team was willing to give in. No. 1 seed Wisconsin wasn’t able to pull away from the Ducks until late in this one, 72-65. The Ducks gave the Badgers and Bo Ryan all they could handle. Frank Kaminsky did not steal the show, but he was able to tally 16 points.
The Ducks trailed by 11 in the first half, but finished on a 19-11 run to close the lead to three at the half. Oregon would end up tying the score, but the Ducks could never get over the hump and claim the lead. Joseph Young led all scorers in this one with 30, but the next highest scorer on his team had just 12.
Oregon was simply outmatched by the Badgers. Wisconsin avoided being the second No.1 seed to go home in the round of 32. This Wisconsin team is built to make a run at the title.
Turning Point
Oregon’s Dwayne Benjamin rose up and nailed a 3-pointer to tie the game up at 52 all. It was the first time Wisconsin hadn’t been in the lead since the opening tip. Then Bronson Koenig for Wisconsin hit one free throw to break the tie, and the Badgers turned it up a notch. Kaminsky was able to rip the ball from Dillon Brooks as he went up for a layup, and pass it down to Sam Dekker who put in the fancy finish. Dekker would add on a 3 to make it 58-52, and Oregon couldn’t find an answer. Oregon had expended its energy against the bigger opponent in the Badgers. Wisconsin showed determination to finish this one off, as Oregon would just not go away.
Impact Player
Dekker was able to hit some big shots to keep the Wisconsin offense going. He was able to score 5 quick points that secured the lead for the Badgers. Dekker finished 50 percent from the field and hit three 3-pointers. He led the balanced Wisconsin
attack as three other Badgers scored in double figures. The Ducks doubled Kaminsky early, which opened up shots for other players and Dekker made them pay. Dekker’s ability to score is key for the Badgers as they make their run in the tourney. Dekker’s scoring makes it that much harder to defend the Wisconsin offense, as Kaminsky may be the best player in the country.
Up Next
Wisconsin looks keep its tournament run going as they play North Carolina in the Sweet 16 on Thursday.
Oregon’s season comes to an end with a 26-10 record.
Dorm Room Hoops 