Coming off a 23-8 regular season campaign, including a 13-5 record in the Big Ten, the Wisconsin Badgers were rewarded with the No. 4 seed in the East by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee.

With wins over teams like Duke, Maryland, Marquette, and co-Big Ten champions Purdue, Michigan State, and Ohio State, the Badgers certainly surprised many in a year in which most preseason predictions had them finishing in the bottom half of the Big Ten and missing the Big Dance.

But behind the play of guards Trevon Hughes, Jason Bohannon, and Jordan Taylor and big men Jon Leuer and Keaton Nankivil, Wisconsin proved once again to never doubt a Bo Ryan-coached team.

If the Badgers are to continue their regular season success, they’ll need to be stout on defense, limit their turnovers, and control the pace on offense.

So, let’s take a look at some of the possible matchups for Wisconsin if they’re to make a run to the Final Four.
 
Round 1: Wofford

Wisconsin opens it’s NCAA Tournament campaign with a bout against the No. 13 seed Wofford Terriers.

Wofford, out of the Southern Conference, won their league with a 15-3 conference record and a 26-8 overall mark. The Terriers locked up their bid to the Big Dance with a 56-51 win over Appalachian State in the Southern Conference Tournament Championship.

The Terriers average almost 70 points a game and are led by forward Noah Dahlman’s 16.8 points and 6.3 rebounds.

Expect Wofford to play their hearts out and although Wisconsin certainly won’t overlook the Terriers, this one may be closer than you may think.

Round 2: Temple

Winners of the Atlantic 10 conference, the Temple Owls are probably a little disappointed that they dropped to a No. 5 seed when some predicted them as high as a No. 3.

Temple finished the regular season with a 29-5 overall record, including 14-2 in the A-10, and were one of the strongest teams from a mid-major conference.

Led by senior guard Ryan Brooks’ 14.3 points a game, the Owls averaged 65 points a game this year and had a steady offense that, paired with a good defense, led them to almost 30 wins.

Two other Temple players, Juan Fernandez and Lavoy Allen, averaged in double figures as well.

With both a solid offense and defense, the Owls could definitely pose a significant obstacle for a Wisconsin Final Four run.

Sweet Sixteen: Kentucky

Assuming there is no Texas or Wake Forest upset over Kentucky, a matchup between the Wildcats and Badgers in Syracuse is a very real possibility.

As the second overall No. 1 seed, Kentucky is obviously a very good team. Led by freshman phenom guard John Wall, the Wildcats won both the regular season and conference tournament championships in the SEC, and compiled a 32-2 overall record.

With four players averaging in double figures, including Wall’s 16.9 points, Kentucky averaged almost 80 points a game and would certainly be the highest-powered offense the Badgers have faced this year.

However, they are young and have little tournament experience. Plus, Kentucky probably hasn’t faced the kind of defense that Wisconsin would bring to the table.

If this Sweet Sixteen matchup does occur, these contrasting styles could lead to one of the more intriguing games in the tournament.

Elite Eight: West Virginia

Although teams like Clemson, Marquette, and New Mexico could all possibly upset No. 2 seed West Virginia, let’s assume the Mountaineers make it to the Elite Eight.

The Big East Conference Tournament champions, West Virginia may be the hottest team in the nation. With a 27-6 overall record, the Mountaineers have won six games in a row, including a 60-58 victory over Georgetown in the Big East championship.

Led by Da’Sean Butler’s 17.4 points a game, West Virginia puts up 73 points a game, but also plays great defense, holding all of their opponents in the Big East tourney to under 60 points.

With their incoming momentum and overall quality on both offense and defense, a West Virginia run to the Final Four is a distinct possibility.

Needless to say, unless there are upsets galore in the East bracket, Wisconsin has their work cut out for them.

But, as we’ve all learned, never doubt a Bo Ryan-coached team.

Sam Oleson is a contributing writer to Wisconsin Sports Online.

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