Magical Finish Caps Off Big Week For Badgers

Wisconsin was two last second shots away from a winless week at the Kohl Center. But what was oh so close to the last nail in the Badgers’ coffin ended up becoming a home stand that just may mark the defining moment in a Big Ten title run. Two game-tying three-point shots in the final seconds and two overtime wins later, Wisconsin is very much alive in a crazy Big Ten championship race.

Before I go any further, let me comment on the rushing of the court Saturday. Yes, I did say in my column on Friday that a storming was unjustified in the case of UW, but circumstances do indeed play a part. A game-tying half court shot at the buzzer is one of those circumstances. So this time, the Grateful Red gets a free pass (but please don’t blow it next week when Ohio State visits).

As crazy as the final seconds were, Saturday’s game was a classic from start to finish. After the Badgers jumped out to a 23-14 lead midway through the first half, neither team led by more than 6 the rest of the way. Wisconsin couldn’t find a way to slow down Michigan’s backcourt duo of Burke and Hardaway yet somehow found itself within a possession in the game’s final seconds. After 40 minutes, 8 ties, 11 lead changes, and a half court shot, the Badgers were even with the No. 3 team in the country.

Michigan 60, Wisconsin 60. Overtime.

This is what the 2012-2013 edition of Wisconsin basketball is all about. UW committed 14 turnovers, allowed Michigan’s star guards to combine for 37 points, and gave up 32 points in the paint. Looking at the statistics alone, the Badgers had no business taking down a team as talented and efficient as Michigan, even in the friendly confines of the Kohl Center. Somehow they found a way to do what looked to be all but impossible on paper.

“We are just going to find a way to get it done,” senior forward Jared Berggren said. “It doesn’t matter what people perceive our talent level to be.”

While this year has certainly taken it to a new level, scrappiness has been a hallmark of the Badger program since Dick Bennett turned UW into a legitimate Big Ten contender back in the late 1990s. As they have for the past fifteen years, Wisconsin keeps itself within striking distance by playing tough defense no matter how poorly they are shooting the ball. Some may say that UW’s defensive statistics are simply a result of their slow-paced offense. Those people haven’t watched this team play.

Michigan entered play on Saturday leading the Big Ten in practically every offensive statistic. Only Wisconsin turned the ball over fewer times than the Wolverines (that is no longer the case after a +7 margin for Michigan in Madison) and Michigan’s 50.3% field goal percentage was tops in the conference as well. Even though Hardaway and Burke caught fire in the 2^nd half, UW held the Wolverines to just 39% shooting for the game.

At times, Wisconsin is tough to watch. I am always going to be a fan of “Wisconsin basketball” but I totally understand those who would rather watch paint dry than be stuck with two hours of slow-paced, low scoring basketball. But whether you like it or not, the Badgers have a system that works and when things click like they did on Saturday, it is fun to watch.

More importantly, at least from a fan’s perspective, this Wisconsin team simply does not quit. Time and time again they have found themselves with their backs against the wall in the final moments, finding a way to get the job done seemingly every time. Even in a season that began with the loss of its starting point guard and continued with the fairly prolonged absence of an emotional leader, UW heads into the home stretch very much alive for a conference title and well within reach of a top-4 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

“It feels good. I’m just so proud of these guys,” UW head coach Bo Ryan said. “This is a group that just finds different ways {to get the job done}.”

All of those who thought this would be the year Ryan failed to keep the Badgers inside the Big Ten’s top 4 are starting to retract their statements at a rapid clip.

“We’ve got a bunch of dudes who are gritty, tough, and play the game the right way…” senior forward Mike Bruesewitz said. “I’ll play with these guys anywhere.”

There is still plenty of basketball to be played before we even reach the postseason. As they have shown time and time again, this Badgers team could easily go out and lay an egg against Northwestern, Purdue, Nebraska, or even Penn State. At the same time, they could just as easily take down the likes of Minnesota, Ohio State, or Michigan State, the combination of all three likely being enough to bring a Big Ten title to Madison for the first time since 2008.

Are more ups and downs inevitable? Yes. But if going through 7:00 scoreless droughts is what it takes to experience highs like Saturday afternoon, I know I for one am fine with that deal.