MIKE LUCAS Senior Writer

WASHINGTON — UWBadgers.com Senior Writer Mike Lucas offered his observations after Wisconsin earned a 76-48 win over Northwestern in the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament at the Verizon Center on Saturday.

Get it straight from the source by following @LucasAtLarge on Twitter.

LUCAS' FIVE TAKES:

Bronson Koenig & Nigel Hayes got UW out to 10-2 start (each had duece & triple). Rout on. NW didnt punch back. Looked bankrupt emotionally

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) March 11, 2017

Khalil Iverson's teammates played with heavy hearts for Iverson who returned to Ohio b/c death in family. Tm played for him, Ethan Happ said

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) March 11, 2017

Zak Showalter is so much more than a complementary player but he plays the role of one with his unselfish play. Really hounded McIntosh

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) March 11, 2017

With diverse scoring options/skill sets, Michigan will pose challenging springboard that may further shape UW's game/profile for Big Dance

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) March 11, 2017

Opposing defenses have taken UW out of rhythm with post doubles. But more reps & tweaks against that tactic is producing far better results

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) March 11, 2017