March 18, 2007
The Wisconsin Badgers were 21-1 and looking like a legitimate Final Four contender.
Unfortunately the fans in Madison were left disappointed as Wisconsin ran into a UNLV club that simply would not be denied. The Badgers fell behind early again, just like they did against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Sometimes teams expend a lot of energy trying to rally after a slow start.
Kammron Taylor was one-for-five from the floor in the first half before exploding, but it was not enough. The Runnin' Rebels did a super job defensively and Lon Kruger has UNLV back in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1991.
Kevin Kruger, Lon's son, got hot at the right time, finishing with 16 points. More importantly, he had seven assists and a big zero in the turnover category. Wendell White, normally a 65 percent foul shooter, was six-for-six from the charity stripe. White has been super in the tournament, totaling 41 points in wins over Wisconsin and Georgia Tech.
The loss of center Brian Butch was definitely a factor for the Badgers. Any time you lose a starter it affects your rotation, and the big man was important up front.
Give Kruger's team credit for holding Wisconsin to 41 percent shooting. Defense has been the hallmark for the Mountain West team as the players have bought into Kruger's system.
UNLV now faces an Oregon team that was very impressive in defeating Cinderella story Winthrop.
Ernie Kent was catching heat out at Oregon, especially after recruits Kyle Singler (Duke) and Kevin Love (UCLA) passed on the Eugene-based school. Kent is getting the last laugh now as the Ducks are in the Sweet 16.
This club has responded to the challenge with Aaron Brooks, Tajuan Porter, Bryce Taylor and Malik Hairston showing their talent. This is a very athletic team that ended Winthrop's dream. Oregon hit 11 trifectas as Brooks led the way with 22 points.
Gregg Marshall's team had a super season, winning 29 games. Now it is Oregon vs.. UNLV for a berth in the elite eight.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.
