Badgers earn No. 2 seed in NCAA tournament

Photo of head coach Bo Ryan

Head coach Bo Ryan works the sideline as the Wisconsin men’s basketball team plays against Michigan State March 3, 2007, at the Kohl Center.

After finishing second in the Big Ten tournament on March 11, the Wisconsin men’s basketball team earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA East Region — the highest seed in school history.

The Badgers will face 15 seed Texas A&M Corpus Christi on Friday, March 16, at the United Center in Chicago.

Wisconsin (29–5, 13–3 Big Ten) is one of nine teams that have been to at least nine straight NCAA tournaments. The team has been to the tournament in each of head coach Bo Ryan’s six seasons.

The trip to the tournament is a capstone to the Badgers’ successful season, which saw the team briefly ranked No. 1 in the nation for the first time in the school’s history. Senior forward Alando Tucker was named Big Ten Player of the Year by the league’s coaches and media; Tucker is the sixth Badger to win the award. It’s also the sixth consecutive season UW–Madison has had a consensus first-team all-league choice, the longest active streak in the Big Ten.

Wisconsin also set school records for wins in a season and wins in Big Ten play, finishing 19–0 at home and finishing second in league standings.

The Badgers hope to continue to improve their record during Friday’s tournament game. Tickets for the general public are on sale at the United Center; visit http://www.unitedcenter.com for ticket availability. The university has sold out of its allotment.

Photo of Greg Stiemsma blocking a shot on the court.

Fans watch as Wisconsin junior center Greg Stiemsma tries to block a shot during the Badgers’ 52–50 win over Michigan State on March 3.

Photo of Alando Tucker coming out on the court, surrounded by his team mates

Spotlights shine as Wisconsin senior forward Alando Tucker (42), the Big Ten’s Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection, and other members of the men’s basketball team are announced before playing Michigan State at the Kohl Center.

Photo of head coach Bo Ryan talking to the team after the game in the locker room.

Head coach Bo Ryan holds a postgame meeting in the team locker room. Speaking to the seniors after their final home game, Ryan said, “It’s OK to be emotional. You’ve given a tremendous amount to this institution, and now it’s your turn to take advantage of it.”

Photo of senior players with their parents.

Gathered on the court with their parents, men’s basketball senior players (left to right) Jason Chappell, Kammron Taylor and Alando Tucker wave to the crowd after watching a video tribute in their honor.