What do the Badgers do when they're down by 2 with 5.8 seconds left...
The atmosphere in the Kohl Center is beyond fantastic! It is 10xs louder than it was for the MN game last week, thank goodness. Every basket gets an uproar that sounds like a little slice of heaven! If only Bucks fans were this into it. I know…college is more exciting (my opinion).
This game went beyond the scope of basketball for many fans. At halftime they announced that Mark Johnson was chosen to coach the USA Olympic Women’s Hockey Team! How exciting! You may remember his name from the movie “Miracle.” Miracle tells the true story of Herb Brooks, the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad. Mark Johnson was a star player for the gold medal team.
Mark Johnson on the microphone with complete excitement and gratitude in his voice. 
This will go down as another historic moment for UW.
But let’s get back on track. Ever since Purdue set the Badgers off on their little losing streak, only about 2 weeks ago, UW has secretly been plotting their revenge. Or at least that’s what I’d like to think. They kept the heat on throughout the first half, slipping up a bit only at the end, a partial attribute to what could be called “questionable” fouls. On another note, Purdue plays fantastic defense, keeping their opponents at an average 35.6 FG%; Badger were at 45.5% for the first half, and 41.4% for the second.
During the 2nd half the Badgers were on the Boilermakers like ‘white on rice.’ They were playing great basketball, finishing shots, rebounding, and continuing to make quick, accurate passes. With 8:43 left in the game they tied it up at 49 and the sound was deafening! The game went point for point right up until the end. With 5.8 seconds left the Badgers were down by 2 points. Then they missed a shot in the paint, had to foul Purdue, he made both FTs, Hughes made a 3, and that was it. I couldn’t believe it! Keep your heads up boys. We'll get 'em next time.
Records coming in: Boilers (15-4); Badgers (12-7)
Half Final
Badgers 30 63
Boilers 36 64
Top scorers: WI- Keaton Nankivil-21; Trevon Hughes-15
Purdue- E’Twaun Moore-17; Keaton Grant-10
Random:
- The camera zoomed in on Ravens safety and former 5’6” 186lb Badger football elite, Jim Leonhard. Big cheers from the crowd. Leonhard was the only undrafted rookie to make the Bills’ opening day 53-man roster in 2005. After his contracted expired in February of ’08, he was picked up by the Ravens and started 13 of the 16 games after Dawan Landry was injured in week 2. He posted a career high 85 tackles (4th on team), his 1st career sack, 6 PD and an INT as part of the NFL’s 2nd ranked defense. Ravens finished 2008 having not allowed a 100 yard rusher in 35 consecutive games. Just a little info for you.
- Halftime was a little 10yr old boy who could dribble better than most of the pros, swear to god. Two bballs at once doing things I didn’t know were possible! Somebody get this kid an agent!
- I have renewed faith in our student section (not that I ever really doubted them, just the lack of superfans at the MN game made me sad)!
-Your Gridiron Girl