The 8th-seeded Wisconsin Badgers are headed back to the “Sweet 16”, coming from behind to knock off Villanova 65-62 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Buffalo.
The Badgers trailed 57-50 with just over five minutes left. Villanova would score just one field goal and five total points the rest of the way as the Badgers tightened up their defense down the stretch.
AUDIO: Greg Gard on his team’s defense down the stretch :13
AUDIO: Villanova’s Jay Wright on scoring just five points in final 5+ minutes :19
The Badgers pulled out the win despite guard Bronson Koenig’s second half foul trouble. He returned with more than five minutes left and helped lead the comeback. Koenig finished hitting 3 of 6 three-pointers and scored 17 points. Two of his three-pointers tied the game at 57-all and gave the Badgers a 62-59 lead with 1:58 to play.
Nigel Hayes hit the game winner on a baseline drive and left-handed reverse layup. He led the Badgers in scoring with 19 points and pulled down eight rebounds. [Read more…]