Wisconsin junior center Frank Kaminsky scored 28 points and pulled down 11 rebounds to lead the Badgers to a 64-63 overtime

Bo Ryan

Bo Ryan

victory over Arizona.  The Badgers (30-7) won the West regional final and Kaminsky was named he Most Valuable Player.

The Badgers are back in the national semifinals for the first time since 2000 and will play either Kentucky or Michigan next Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.  Arizona is also the team Wisconsin beat back in 2000 to reach the Final Four.

AUDIO: Frank Kaminsky on the Final Four :12

AUDIO: Bo Ryan on seeing the players celebrate :14

Traevon Jackson added 10 points and five assists for Wisconsin.  The Badgers shot 35.7% in the first half, including 2 of 8 from 3-point range, and trailed 28-25 at halftime.

But it was Kaminsky that kept the Badgers in this game.  Ht hit 11 of 20 field-goal attempts, including 3 of 5 three-pointers.  He’s the reason why the Badgers are in the Final Four.  Kaminsky came into the game averaging 15.3 points in three previous tournament games, shooting 54.3% from the field.

AUDIO: Kaminsky said he wanted to do anything he could to help the team :13

20 of Kaminsky’s 28 points came in the second half and overtime last night.  In four NCAA tournament games, Kaminsky is averaging 18.5 points a game and is shooting 54.5% from the field.

Nick Johnson had 16 points to lead the Wildcats (33-5) in the loss.

Bo Ryan has also silenced his critics with this win as well.  Those that say Ryan couldn’t win the big game can put that complaint to rest.  Ryan and the Badgers have mowed down one top contender after another this season and now he’s on college basketball’s biggest stage, in the Final Four.

 

 

 

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