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Wisconsin Basketball: Badgers get tough draw with 9 seed

By Christian Borman

Mar 11, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Aleem Ford (2) reacts to making a three point basket against the Penn State Nittany Lions as time expires in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Aleem Ford (2) reacts to making a three point basket against the Penn State Nittany Lions as time expires in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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After losing to Iowa in the Big Ten quarterfinals, the Wisconsin basketball team enter the NCAA Tournament with a 17-12 record. Before Selection Sunday, a 7 or 8 seed was a common prediction for the Badgers. They really scuffled down the stretch, going 2-6 in their final 8 games.

Given the difficulty of the Big Ten Conference, I figured the committee would look favorably on the Badgers. The Badgers also have five Quad 1 wins. They didn’t have the strongest resume in the world, but it definitely wasn’t weak.

Apparently, the selection committee didn’t agree. The bracket was released on CBS, and the Wisconsin basketball team was given the 9-seed in the South Region.

The Badgers will take on North Carolina, who received an 8-seed. It’s interesting that the Tar Heels were seeded ahead of the Badgers, especially when you compare the two teams.

Now, even if the Badgers get by the Tar Heels, they will get to face Baylor, who are the 1-seed in the South Region, and the second seed overall. Baylor has been one of the top teams in the country this year. They have a 22-2 record and have a 13-point win over Illinois from earlier in the season.

Other notable teams in the South Region Wisconsin could potentially play are Ohio St. (2), Arkansas (3), Purdue (4), and Villanova (5). This is going to be a tough but fun region. It’s going to be very challenging for the Wisconsin basketball team to make a deep run in the tournament, especially if they continue to play the way they have been.

The Badgers and Tar Heels will play on Friday, though right now the times are still being determined.

It may not have been the draw we wanted or hoped for, but the NCAA Tournament is still back for the first time in two years. At least we can still enjoy the Badgers in the tournament. Which is more than Duke fans can say.

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