Header photo by Getty Images / Stephen Dunn
Ziggler vs. Cesaro. Both deserve to win. Wish I could be in Madison and Tucson at the same time, but this works too. pic.twitter.com/ZpbZfoBzEA
— Mark Titus (@clubtrillion) March 28, 2015
Arizona favored by 1.5 points, making UW an underdog for the first time this season. Officials: Michael Stephens, Pat Adams and Mike Eades.
— Jim Polzin (@JimPolzinWSJ) March 28, 2015
Arizona/Wisconsin is the first tourney matchup between Top 3 KenPom teams since the 2008 title game (Kansas vs Memphis).
— Jeff (BPredict) (@BPredict) March 28, 2015
Just about that time. #badgers are 40 minutes from Indy
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) March 28, 2015
Sean Miller is the best active college coach to not have made a Final Four right now. He has 40 minutes to change that.
— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) March 28, 2015
The most interesting "chess piece" on the floor in this one for me is Tarczewski. How he matches up defensively will have a major impact.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 28, 2015
WHY IN THE SMOKING HELL IS PAT ADAMS OFFICIATING A REGIONAL FINAL???
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) March 28, 2015
Ashley on Kaminsky and Tarczewski on Nigel Hayes for Arizona. Result looks a lot like last March: Frank scores.
— Jeff Eisenberg (@JeffEisenberg) March 28, 2015
And that's Ashley's second foul. Our first key juncture, and York's coming in.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 28, 2015
For a guy already with one foul on his record, that was a really silly foul Brandon Ashley.
— Michael DeCourcy (@tsnmike) March 28, 2015
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson whistled for foul and asks refs “You gonna let us play BASKETBALL?"
— Lindsay Schnell (@Lindsay_Schnell) March 28, 2015
Kaminsky has now missed three bunnies in last three shots. Come on man!
— MadTown Badgers (@MTBadgers) March 28, 2015
10-2 early. The fouls on Ashley have changed this real quick. Matchup problems for Arizona.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) March 28, 2015
What a start for UW, which leads 10-2 at the 16:09 mark. UW's starting frontcourt: 7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists in the opening 3:51.
— Jim Polzin (@JimPolzinWSJ) March 28, 2015
Yesterday Dekker said Wisc felt there were many opportunities for Badgers to blow out AZ last year, but O reb kept UA in game. Hmm …
— Lindsay Schnell (@Lindsay_Schnell) March 28, 2015
Stanley Johnson asked the crowd to get into it. Staples Center went wild. Arizona fans everywhere.
— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) March 28, 2015
First 2 subs into the game: Duje Dukan and Traevon Jackson. Wonder how many minutes Trae will get today. #Badgers
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) March 28, 2015
Must control pace…must control pace…must control pace… RT @TBumblefut: The pace-bots are back
— Ken Pomeroy (@kenpomeroy) March 28, 2015
2 horrible possessions for the #badgers out of the timeout and now Arizona draws a Kaminsky foul in transition.
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) March 28, 2015
#badgers have actually lost a point of the lead since Ashley left with 2 fouls. Major opportunity missed as Ashley checks back in
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) March 28, 2015
8-2 run for Arizona. They've been great since the first four minutes.
— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) March 28, 2015
Nigel Hayes shot that three like this game was being played in Houston.
— Jeff Eisenberg (@JeffEisenberg) March 28, 2015
Ashley… x 2… He's back in the flo
— Steve Rivera (@SteveRivera95) March 28, 2015
Brandon Ashley doing work on Kaminsky
— Busting Brackets (@BustingBrackets) March 28, 2015
#badgers back on top as Koenig hits from long distance. Tarczewski and Hayes trade buckets
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) March 28, 2015
Wisconsin is going right at Ashley and rightfully so
— Jason Scheer (@JasonScheer) March 28, 2015
U8: Wisconsin leads Arizona 19-16 with 6:57 left in the first half.
— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) March 28, 2015
Didn't know Tarczewski had that in him. That matchup is getting a little bit fun.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 28, 2015
Kaminsky has never been in foul trouble this season.
— Ken Pomeroy (@kenpomeroy) March 28, 2015
A little Wisconsin #LINGERIEONTHEDECK. #RHJ
— The Student Section (@TheStudentSect) March 28, 2015
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 28, 2015
FRANK. THE. TANK. pic.twitter.com/iGrW9413Jn
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 28, 2015
Get that garbage outta here. Kaminsky flopped. Get outta here with that trash charge on Tarczewski. Garbage.
— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) March 28, 2015
Wow. Academy Award-caliber there. But if the refs continue to fall for it, why not try?
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 28, 2015
I don't blame players for flopping. I blame refs for rewarding it.
— John Gasaway (@JohnGasaway) March 28, 2015
Hey I'll take it, but that was a horrible flop
He has been hanging out in Hollywood RT @RobDauster: Helluva flop, Frank.
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 28, 2015
Mike Eades and Michael Stephens never met a flop they couldn't call a charge on.
— Brian Harrison (@BH_Orange44) March 28, 2015
/dead RT @amandarykoff: It’s worth having Reggie Miller just for his call of that flop “coming from the flopmaster.”
— Chris Dobbertean (@ChrisDobbertean) March 28, 2015
Arizona gets their first lead on a Gabe York three. Frank Kaminsky gets it right back for Wisconsin. This is fun.
— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) March 28, 2015
This is a high-level basketball game. And that's what games of this magnitude should be. Arizona's made six of its last seven shots, down 1.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 28, 2015
LOTS of emotion in this game. Getting a little chippy … and lots of trash talking going on. 26-25 Wisc with 2:39 to play in first half.
— Lindsay Schnell (@Lindsay_Schnell) March 28, 2015
I can’t get enough of the adventure when Hollis-Jefferson starts to dribble the ball. Could be great, could be an absolute disaster
— Ed Isaacson (@nbadraftblog) March 28, 2015
RHJ dunk. Arizona up 29-26.
— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) March 28, 2015
Kaminsky has two fouls. So does Brandon Ashley. So does Stanley Johnson. One minute to go in the first half.
— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) March 28, 2015
Arizona really getting after it on defense. Helped by Wisconsin throwing it around perimeter. When does the Bo Ryan swing-O show up?
— Bracketville (@BracketguyDave) March 28, 2015
And now Tarczewski has two fouls. Five key players in this game with two fouls.
— Jim Polzin (@JimPolzinWSJ) March 28, 2015
Really hope the refs calm down a little in the second half.
— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) March 28, 2015
HUGE basket from RHJ to beat the shot clock after McConnell lost ball at his feet.
— Lindsay Schnell (@Lindsay_Schnell) March 28, 2015
Arizona leads by 3 at the break, 33-30. Balanced scoring for the Wildcats, and they're shooting 54.5% after that slow start. Badgers: 38%.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 28, 2015
HALF: #Badgers trail 33-30. Frank Kaminsky leading all scorers with 13 points, 5 rebounds. UW 38.5% FG; UA 54.5% FG. pic.twitter.com/fHg5y38DMf
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 28, 2015
Kaminsky has 13 and Dekker 7 for Wisconsin, but they need more from Hayes and/or Koenig. Can't be a two-man show if they're to win.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 28, 2015
After being down on the glass 9-4, Arizona is now winning the rebounding battle 14-13
— Jason Scheer (@JasonScheer) March 28, 2015
Bo Ryan looks like a man who knows how to fix a dog race
— SPENCER HALL (@edsbs) March 28, 2015
T.J. McConnell corrals his teammates into a huddle, points at each of them, "You ready? You ready? You ready?" Each smile. They seem looser.
— Jon Gold (@TheCoolSub) March 28, 2015
Kaminsky for THREEE… we're tied again. Let's go #Badgers
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 28, 2015
Hayes with his third foul
— Jason Scheer (@JasonScheer) March 28, 2015
Now Dekker for three. Wisconsin has as many threes in the first minute as it did the entire first half
— Jason Scheer (@JasonScheer) March 28, 2015
Frank the Tank. is starting (again) to find some mojo… Tarczewski has his third foul..
— Steve Rivera (@SteveRivera95) March 28, 2015
#OnWisconsin Let's Goooooo!!!!
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 28, 2015
Zeus can not handle Kaminsky STILL! This isn't rocket science
— Busting Brackets (@BustingBrackets) March 28, 2015
Johnson picks up his third foul and he's down on the court with 17:37.
— Jim Polzin (@JimPolzinWSJ) March 28, 2015
Arizona has no answer for Kaminsky. Now its Hollis-Jefferson picking up his 3rd foul and giving the #badgers 2 more FTs
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) March 28, 2015
Sean Miller to ref: "WHAT DID HE DO??"
— Anthony Gimino (@AGWildcatReport) March 28, 2015
LOL NOPE. RT @PacificTakes: Really hope the refs calm down a little in the second half.
— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) March 28, 2015
#Badgers open the half with an 11-2 run – lead 41-34
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 28, 2015
These refs are a self-sustaining dumpster fire. They make a bad call, then follow it with a make up call. Lather, rinse, repeat.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) March 28, 2015
U16: Wisconsin leads Arizona 44-38 with 15:51 to play.
— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) March 28, 2015
The politicing with the refs now starts. Sean goes to the middle of the court to get a response. Bo Ryan with refs now. This is getting good
— Steve Rivera (@SteveRivera95) March 28, 2015
— Jon Bois (@jon_bois) March 28, 2015
Kaminsky has now played 60 minutes against Arizona the last two years: 49 pts, 17 boards, 54.0 eFG%.
— Andrew Murawa (@AMurawa) March 28, 2015
Sam Dekker keeping it real with Kaminsky begging for a foul https://t.co/kPY24fBzQj
— David Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) March 28, 2015
All about Arizona defending ball screens at this point. They're super late closing out on shooters
— Jordan Majewski (@jorcubsdan) March 28, 2015
This will be a factor: S Miller calls timeout with 14:11 left to get S Johnson (3 fouls) back in game.
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) March 28, 2015
Very similar halves. Wisconsin jumps to a lead, Arizona responds. Been a good one.
— Bracketville (@BracketguyDave) March 28, 2015
Rachel Nichols: Stanley Johnson is back in locker room to adjust contact lens after about to check in.
— Jon Solomon (@JonSolomonCBS) March 28, 2015
Get hot Sammy
Half started with UA getting whistled for three quick fouls. Now Wisc has 6 team fouls. 13 mins to play.
— Lindsay Schnell (@Lindsay_Schnell) March 28, 2015
If Arizona wins this game with one made 3 and two offensive boards, this is a team of destiny.
— John Gasaway (@JohnGasaway) March 28, 2015
#Badgers guards can’t beat Zona off the dribble. But Dekker putting on a 3pt clinic to keep Wisconsin ahead.
— Bracketville (@BracketguyDave) March 28, 2015
Badgers are insane right now… 6 of 7 from 3-point range this half.
— Anthony Gimino (@AGWildcatReport) March 28, 2015
Arizona's shot selection has been uncharacteristically baffling today.
— J.B. Long (@JB_Long) March 28, 2015
Kaminsky baseline for 2 more! #badgers have their largest lead of the game and Arizona has to call another timeout. 10:48 remaining
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) March 28, 2015
Kaminsky leaving behind a little #LINGERIEONTHEDECK.
— The Student Section (@TheStudentSect) March 28, 2015
Wisconsin actually has a 110.0 eFG% in the second half. 6-for-7 on threes. White hot.
— Jeff (BPredict) (@BPredict) March 28, 2015
That's where Tarczewski needs to earn his money offensively in this matchup. Be physical in the post. Mid-range jumpers won't cut it.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 28, 2015
Kaminsky picks up his third foul with 10:34 left. UW with 27 points on 15 possessions in the 2nd half, leads 57-50.
— Jim Polzin (@JimPolzinWSJ) March 28, 2015
That $900 trillion Buick's spent on ads about Buicks being less lame than you thought? Bet it's almost made one person consider a purchase
— Jason Kirk (@JasonKirkSBN) March 28, 2015
No answer on the perimeter
— Steve Rivera (@SteveRivera95) March 28, 2015
Now 7 of 8 from 3-point range in the second half. Sizzlin'
— Jim Polzin (@JimPolzinWSJ) March 28, 2015
Hayes again from deep and the #badgers are back up 9 and taking over with 9:10 left. Ashley checking back in for Arizona
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) March 28, 2015
Double-digit lead. Danger time for Arizona; really need to go inside here.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 28, 2015
First time Arizona has trailed by double-digits this season (h/t @JavierJMorales)
— Anthony Gimino (@AGWildcatReport) March 28, 2015
Under 8 media timeout with Ashley picking up his 3rd and Arizona's 5th. #badgers lead by 9 with 7:59 left
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) March 28, 2015
That head fake of Hayes gets them every time.
— Jim Polzin (@JimPolzinWSJ) March 28, 2015
Everyone here at Staples is wearing red, but the Wisconsin fans actually are red. I think every last one is sunburned.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) March 28, 2015
The Monstars are jealous. RT @B5Q: #badgers as 1.778 points per possession for the 2nd half so far
— Chris Dobbertean (@ChrisDobbertean) March 28, 2015
Welp. RT @B5Q: Frank Kaminsky is the only #badgers player with a miss this half
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) March 28, 2015
Brandon Ashley now with four fouls for Arizona
— Matt Moreno (@MattGOAZCATS) March 28, 2015
In the NCAA tournament, Kaminsky is 24-for-26 at the FT line
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 28, 2015
Guys, Kaminsky is kinda good #analysis
— Busting Brackets (@BustingBrackets) March 28, 2015
Frank Kaminsky is balling out of his mind, period. Zona’s thrown everything at him but the kitchen sink, and it hasn’t mattered. 27 points.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) March 28, 2015
Nigel Hayes picks up his fourth
— Jason Scheer (@JasonScheer) March 28, 2015
FOUL TROUBLE Everyone. Fixed that graphic for ya, TBS.
— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) March 29, 2015
Officials calling it VERY tight now and Zona is in the double bonus. York hits both to cut the #badgers lead to 8 with 5:40 left
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) March 29, 2015
Arizona fans on their feet for one last push
— Jason Scheer (@JasonScheer) March 29, 2015
Wow #CaptainAmerica
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 29, 2015
Wisconsin has shooters… Have you noticed? Great display this second half…
— Steve Rivera (@SteveRivera95) March 29, 2015
Andy North and Olivia Munn just hi-fived. /dead
— Troy Machir (@TroyMachir) March 29, 2015
Wisconsin has made over half their 3s twice this season. High is 55%. Currently 10/15 67%
— TomahawkNation Hoops (@TN_Hoops) March 29, 2015
This is why everyone wants to see Wisconsin against the team from Lexington. Badgers chopping up an absolutely terrific defense.
— Brian Hamilton (@BrianHamiltonSI) March 29, 2015
WISCONSIN MISSED /world stops spinning /we all fly into space /life ends
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger_sherman) March 29, 2015
Stanley ready to pull his hair out after double-dribble.
— Anthony Gimino (@AGWildcatReport) March 29, 2015
GREAT passing by the #badgers finally draws a foul, but Kaminsky could have brought the house down with that dunk
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) March 29, 2015
Stanley Johnson now with four fouls for Arizona
— Matt Moreno (@MattGOAZCATS) March 29, 2015
Stanley Johnson, hands on head, to press row: "That is the worst call I've ever seen in my life."
— Jeff Eisenberg (@JeffEisenberg) March 29, 2015
Sean Miller and Bo Ryan get a warning. Both keep yelling at the officials…. probably because the officials have been trash.
— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) March 29, 2015
— Steve Noah (@Steve_OS) March 29, 2015
Wisconsin has been called for a foul on six straight defensive possessions.
— Jeff (BPredict) (@BPredict) March 29, 2015
Kind of amazing it's only 7 with 4 left.
— The Student Section (@TheStudentSect) March 29, 2015
GO AHEAD, SAMMY!
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 29, 2015
SAM DEKKER! AND 1. #badgers head to the final media timeout as Johnson exits. UW leads by 9 with 3:36 left
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) March 29, 2015
Stanley fouls out. Just didn't show up tonight
— Jason Scheer (@JasonScheer) March 29, 2015
— Busting Brackets (@BustingBrackets) March 29, 2015
This game was consumed by whistles. Shades of Cuse-Ohio State in the 2012 E8. Too bad.
— John Gasaway (@JohnGasaway) March 29, 2015
Number of people who would have thought Arizona would be in any trouble if it hit 51.4 % of FGs and 25-of-27 at the foul line:
— The Student Section (@TheStudentSect) March 29, 2015
Dekker has 18 points on 6 of 9 shooting, 3 of 4 from 3-point range & has 5 rebounds too.
— MadTown Badgers (@MTBadgers) March 29, 2015
Kaminsky has four fouls. He'll take a seat.
— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) March 29, 2015
really enjoying how this game has slowed to a halt and become awful to watch.
— OHB (@ohholybutt) March 29, 2015
Typical Wisconsin. Lulling you to sleep and then throwing deep.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) March 29, 2015
York with a deep 3 and now its just 5. #badgers on the ropes with 2 minutes left
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) March 29, 2015
You can never live without hope
— Steve Rivera (@SteveRivera95) March 29, 2015
So who's hitting this Wisconsin three?
— Jason Scheer (@JasonScheer) March 29, 2015
Oh my. SAM DEKKER!
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 29, 2015
Man, I'm good
— Jason Scheer (@JasonScheer) March 29, 2015
Dekker. Dagger. And then he stared up into the crowd.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 29, 2015
Sam D3kk3r.
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) March 29, 2015
So what Sam Dekker did to UNC wasn't a complete fluke.
— Brian Barbour (@tarheelblog) March 29, 2015
#Badgers 79 | UA 73 (1:33 2H) Sam Dekker with a huge 3 late in the game for Wisconsin, but Arizona is quick to answer inside for 2.
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 29, 2015
After Sam Dekker's running jumper, Sean Miller points a finger at him and nods his head in respect.
— Anthony Gimino (@AGWildcatReport) March 29, 2015
“They are out of timeouts” — the most glorious thing you’ll hear during a college basketball game.
— Blackburn Review©®™ (@BlackburnReview) March 29, 2015
Dekker with a career-high 24 points. UW up 81-73 with a minute left.
— Jim Polzin (@JimPolzinWSJ) March 29, 2015
Despite Wisconsin shooting 10 million percent from 3-point range, this game is STILL a conversation.
— The Student Section (@TheStudentSect) March 29, 2015
Zona playing it out. interesting
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) March 29, 2015
YOU HAVE TO FOUL, SEAN MILLER!
— The Student Section (@TheStudentSect) March 29, 2015
Sam 'Freakin Dekker.
— Jim Polzin (@JimPolzinWSJ) March 29, 2015
Mother of god
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) March 29, 2015
Sam Dekker is about that life … my goodness
— Matt Moreno (@MattGOAZCATS) March 29, 2015
Sam Dekker is on a different planet.
— Brian Barbour (@tarheelblog) March 29, 2015
Terrible strategy by Arizona
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 29, 2015
Betcha a nickel that shot makes One Shining Moment.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 29, 2015
All Sean Miller could do was smile when Dekker hit that beauty of a shot.. It's all but over
— Steve Rivera (@SteveRivera95) March 29, 2015
SAM DEKKER IS A COLD BLOODED ASSASSIN THAT JUST WALKED UP THE FLOOR LIKE IT WAS NOTHING. CAN’T STOP HIM.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) March 29, 2015
McConnell comes out and is a wreck
— Jason Scheer (@JasonScheer) March 29, 2015
TJ McConnell saying "I'm sorry" to his team as he walks off the floor
— Matt Moreno (@MattGOAZCATS) March 29, 2015
Arizona shot 57 percent from the field and lost.
— Jason Scheer (@JasonScheer) March 29, 2015
INDY get ready for a #Badgers invasion! FINAL FOUR HERE WE COME!
— MadTown Badgers (@MTBadgers) March 29, 2015
Shame AZ-Wisconsin was a foul-fest in E8 and not well-reffed game in FF. Upside: UK-Badgers one step closer. Bo, I salute you again.
— John Gasaway (@JohnGasaway) March 29, 2015
Sam Dekker's second half: 20 points, 6-of-6 FGs, 5-of-5 3FGs, 3-3 FTs
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) March 29, 2015
— LostLettermen.com (@LostLettermen) March 29, 2015
The #Badgers are coming back for more. #FinalFour #MakeEmBelieve pic.twitter.com/wMJw06RV1R
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 29, 2015
Eighth time in tournament history two teams have met in the Elite 8 in consecutive years. All eight times the same team has won both games.
— Mike Rutherford (@CardChronicle) March 29, 2015
Since Arizona's last trip 14 years ago ('01), there has been exactly ONE school west of Kansas in the Final Four (UCLA). Up to you, Zags.
— Brett Edgerton (@EditorEdge) March 29, 2015
Wisconsin celebrating its Final Four bid. https://t.co/eLEUlsrgrO
— Caroline Sikes (@clinesikes) March 29, 2015