Its amazing how the fortunes of the University of Wisconsin Badgers basketball team has changed in just one year. In 2000, they were the Cinderella team at the NCAA's big dance, as they defied all odds and made a magical run into the Final Four. Now..... just one year later, and after just one game in the tournament, the Badgers feel more like the ugly step sister.
On Thursday, in Round 1 of the 2001 NCAA Basketball tournament, the Badgers were defeated by Georgia State 50-49. It was literally, a game of two very different halfs In the first half, the potent Badger defense, held Georgia State to just 19 points, while in the second half, the Badger offense couldn't stay on track, and managed to score only 19 points,while the defense gave up 31 points.
The two teams traded baskets and kept it a close game for about the first twelve minutes. Wisconsin broke it open to a ten point margin at 18-8 at the seven minute mark. Later, the lead would be extended to a dozen,when Vershaw would score from under the basket and get fouled to complete a three point play, and make it 24-12. Things were looking very good for the Badgers, when Ricky Bower later would nail a three pointer to make it 28-12. But... Georgia State would stage a late half rally, and when Kevin Morris hit for three points at the buzzer, it was 30-19 game at halftime.
Georgia State used that late surge in the first half, to propell their second half play. Thomas Terrell hit for three points at the 16:18 mark to draw within five at 33-28. By the seven minute mark, Georgia State had tied the game at 42-42, by having outscored the Badgers 10-3.
With just two minutes remaining, the Badgers had a slim one point lead at 45-44. Things began to look good for Wisconsin, after Kowske hit two free throws to make it 49-44. BUT...... then the roof fell in on the Badgers.
Darryl Cooper hit for three and was fouled by Boone on the play.He made the free throw to make it 49-48. After a misssed Badger opportunity on the other end, Shenard Long, came back and hit a shot to make it 50-49. With 3 seconds left, Vershaw was fouled, puting him on the line for two shots. The Senior, missed BOTH shots, and the Badgers missed their chance to try and return to the Final Four.
??? Now the question being asked...... Will Brad Soderberg be kept on as the permanent Head Coach??
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