MIKE LUCAS Senior Writer

BUFFALO, N.Y. — UWBadgers.com Senior Writer Mike Lucas offered his observations after Wisconsin earned a 65-62 win over No. 1 Villanova in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the KeyBank Center on Saturday night.

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

LUCAS' FIVE TAKES:

It was all about toughness, mental and physical toughness, and the Badgers had necessary grit and answers to knock out defending champion

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) March 18, 2017

Nigel Hayes was best player on floor; yes better than consensus POY Josh Hart. Hayes scored on Hart et al & neutralized his drives with size

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) March 18, 2017

Down 7 (57-50) with a little over 5 min left. Regrouped with timeout. Not rattled by deficit nor physicality. Went punch for punch with Nova

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) March 18, 2017

Despite foul trouble, Bronson Koenig left mark on win with some clutch baskets, none sweeter than corner 3 on draw and kick from Nigel Hayes

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) March 18, 2017

Attitude was hardened by Feb adversity. Confidence was bolstered by 3gm win streak in early March. Commitment was 2 silencing doubters. Done

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) March 18, 2017