Badger of Honor Staff Picks Wisconsin Over Oregon
By Jim Oxley
The staff of Badger of Honor has spoken, and has chosen Wisconsin over Oregon in the round of 32 game Sunday night in a rematch of the same game from a year ago.
Last year, Wisconsin, the 2 seed, defeated the 7-seed Oregon Ducks 85-77.
This year, the game is 1-8 match up, and will tip off at approximately 6:45 p.m. Sunday.
Here’s how our staff sees things playing out:
Wisconsin Badgers
Douglas Etten – Wisconsin
Oregon is definitely no Coastal Carolina. They bring a bit more possession-based discipline and are definitely a better basketball team overall. Wisconsin, though, excelled throughout the second half of its opening round win and won’t be easy to slow down. If Frank Kaminsky can again control the paint and UW as a team can shoot a high percentage from the field, they’ll be hard to stop. Teams don’t often match hoop for hoop with a hot-shooting Wisconsin squad, so shooting well again is a simple key to success.
Wisconsin 74, Oregon 65
Taylor Johnson – Wisconsin
The first of what could be a few rematches from last year’s tournament will be a test for Wisconsin. Oregon can score a lot of points, but they also give up a lot as well. Joseph Young will score somewhere around 20 points for the Ducks. But the big three of Frank Kaminsky, Sam Dekker and Nigel Hayes will prove to be too much once again. Wisconsin heads to the Sweet Sixteen once again.
Wisconsin 77, Oregon 69
Jon Rzepecki – Wisconsin
The Badgers are in for their toughest test against a speedy Oregon team. The Ducks only need to watch tape on Maryland and Duke to know intense speed can do damage, but Bo knows his team just needs to stop Young and things will fall into place.
Wisconsin 75, Oregon 68
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Zach Rastall – Wisconsin
In another high-scoring affair, the Badgers outlast the Ducks for a second straight year to reach the Sweet Sixteen. An outstanding performance from Joseph Young keeps things interesting well into the second half, but Frank Kaminsky takes over late and puts away Oregon for good.
Wisconsin 80, Oregon 68
Rayan Vatti – Wisconsin
Joseph Young is one of the best players in the country, and is good enough to keep any game close. Unfortunately for him, Wisconsin has the best player in the nation, Frank Kaminsky, and one of the best defenders, Josh Gasser. Oregon can score and fast break, but they can’t stop the size of the Badgers. The winner of the tempo battle will win the game, and that will certainly be Wisconsin.
Wisconsin 75, Oregon 69
Jim Oxley – Wisconsin
The Badgers are looking to defeat Oregon on their way to a Sweet Sixteen appearance for the second straight year. Wisconsin doesn’t want this to turn into a track meet, but is equipped to keep up offensively if Joseph Young and the Ducks turn on the offensive firepower. The Badgers are too strong defensively – a point of weakness for the Ducks – and Frank Kaminsky will continue to prove why he’s the best player in the country as Wisconsin earns a hard-fought victory.
Wisconsin 82, Oregon 71