Wisconsin entered the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal against a hungry Nebraska team. Cornhuskers knew they had to win this game to have any shot of playing their way on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Additionally, these guys could be fighting for Tim Miles’ job who might be fired at the end of this season. Ethan Happ did not have his best game as he only scored four points, a season-low and committed seven turnovers in only 20 minutes of action. As Happ has done for Wisconsin all year, Badgers picked him up versus the other way around and found a way to survive a late charge from the Cornhuskers. Wisconsin wins 66-62 and will move on to play Michigan State this afternoon.

Player of the Game: Khalil Iverson – The finish to Khalil Iverson’s career is something to marvel at, honestly. He looked like a guy out of place halfway through the year to being a key cog for Wisconsin. Iverson had 14 points but more importantly, he held James Palmer in check. Iverson did a terrific job on the Nebraska star player who missed six of seven three-pointers and went a woeful 6-for-21 from the field. In six of the last seven games, Iverson has scored in double-digits becoming a second banana to Happ.

Silver Star: Nathan Reuvers – If Wisconsin can get any consistency out of Reuvers this March, they’re going to end up in the second weekend of the tournament. Reuvers has been inconsistent all year with some big moments and low moments. He had not scored in double-digits in his last six games until yesterday when he broke out of his slump with 14 points. He hit two big threes and had a very efficient day going six-of-nine from the field. If he scores 10 to 14 points, Wisconsin is a different team.

Thing I liked: Badgers showed off their clutch gene – Even though Wisconsin let Nebraska sneak back into this ball game, the Badgers did a great job handling the pressure of a comeback. Much better than what happened last Sunday against Ohio State. D’Mitirk Trice hit a huge three that was the dagger for Wisconsin with 59 seconds left, and Brad Davison made all of his free throws. Both contributed to finishing this one out.

Thing I didn’t like: Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers – There must be something in the Wisconsin water. Wisconsin turned the ball over 17 times which is absurdly high for them as a team that doesn’t turn the ball over too much. As mentioned, Happ had seven of the 17. Badgers have to be better than that especially against better teams who will take advantage of that and blow them out.

Next up: Wisconsin takes on Michigan State for a chance to go back to the Big Ten Tournament final. Badgers were there two years ago and will attempt to return. A win against Michigan State could push Wisconsin to the three line. Badgers and Spartans played a very close game at the Kohl Center last month with Michigan State pulling away at the end.

Charlie.