BY MATT LEPAY
Voice of the Badgers
MADISON, Wis. — Did the Big Ten tournament game with Nebraska really take place? Anybody remember it?
You have to think about it, don't you?
That is how it works this time of year. In the moment, the conference tournament is fun, and it is important. Then, very quickly, it goes away.
Earn a trip to the Sweet 16, and thoughts of a dreary 12-point loss in Indy fades away in a hurry.
So it goes for the Badgers, who for the fifth time in six years have advanced to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament. That makes them a party of one, as no other program can make that claim.
Not bad. And for good measure, you get a little drama along the way.
Opinions may vary, but for sheer craziness, last weekend might have been as nutty as ever. Stunning upsets, such as Middle Tennessee shocking Michigan State. A half-court heave from Northern Iowa's Paul Jespersen (from Merrill, Wisconsin) to beat Texas. Two days later against Texas A&M, the Panthers let a 12-point lead slip away in the final minute before eventually losing in double overtime.
Talk about a cruel turn of events.
But that is how it works this time of year.
The Badgers can relate. Maybe not to the extent of the UNI-Texas A&M game, which is the greatest last-minute comeback — or meltdown, depending on your point of view — in Division I history. Still, if you have been around long enough, you have seen your share of joy and despair.
Last Sunday night in St. Louis, Bronson Koenig hit one of the biggest shots in program history. Since it is fresh, I am sure many will say it is the biggest. Whatever the case, it was a magical moment from a program that has given fans more than a few in recent years.
With six minutes remaining, the Badgers trailed Xavier by nine points. The second-seeded Musketeers were on the brink of pulling away and ending Wisconsin's season. Only it never happened. A deep 3-pointer from Koenig to tie. Zak Showalter took a charge. Then Koenig splashes a step-back from the right corner to win it.
Sweet. Sixteen.
I couldn't help but think of another player who wore No. 24 as a Badger. The name is Freddie Owens. The year was 2003. It was a second round game against 13th-seeded Tulsa. For most of the game, the Golden Hurricane played like it deserved a better seed.
With 3:36 remaining, the Badgers trailed, 58-45. The game was all but over, and I remember saying as much on the air.
Only it was far from over. Wisconsin rallied with an 11-point run. Then after trading buckets, the Badgers had the ball with 12 seconds to play and down 60-58. It was logical to think Devin Harris was going to take the shot, either a two or a three. Tulsa thought that would be the case, and the defense left Owens alone in the left corner. Harris found him, and Owens took the triple. Make it, and the Badgers win. Miss, and the season ends in Spokane, Washington.
Owens made it with one second remaining. Grown man's shot under pressure, and a monster assist from one of the program's best-ever players in Harris. On to the Sweet 16.
The beauty of those moments is you remember where you were when it happened. The arena, on your couch, out with friends, etc.
You remember where you were when Sam Dekker nailed the knockout three against Arizona. He took it right in front of coach Bo Ryan. Or how about Sam's step-back trey against Kentucky? Maybe not buzzer-beaters, but they are shots that will live forever.
The Badgers have had plenty of big-shot artists. In addition to those already mentioned, there are others such as Traevon Jackson, Kam Taylor, Trevon Hughes and Jordan Taylor, just to name a few in recent years.
Not everyone desires to be the man in those moments. Fortunately, the Badgers have had plenty of players who very much want the ball when the spotlight is brightest. And they have delivered in a big way.
Bronson Koenig joins the list, and the season continues for at least one more game.
Gotta love March. Even if it includes some late-night game in Indianapolis we barely remember.
