A Cinderella story ends, and Badgers triumph over Ducks.
(4) San Diego State defeats (13) North Dakota State 63-44
The first game from the West region on Saturday afternoon was a real snooze-fest. After upsetting fifth seeded Oklahoma in a thrilling contest Thursday night, the Bison did not find equal success against the Aztecs as they lost and lost rather badly. San Diego State relied on a great defensive effort that held the Bison to a shooting percentage of 31.9. Xavier Thames (30 points, five assists) and Dwayne Polee ll (15 points, six rebounds) combined to outscore North Dakota State all by themselves. The Bison received a valiant effort from Kory Brown (13 points, four rebounds) but aside from him no one else for the Bison could ever get rolling on offense. San Diego State will move on to play the winner of the Arizona-Gonzaga which is being played tonight.
(2) Wisconsin defeats (7) Oregon 85-77
Holding a surprising comfortable 12-point lead headed into the break, the Ducks looked to be in good shape to knock off the Badgers and advance to the Sweet 16. That was until Wisconsin played one of the most impressive halves of basketball of the tournament so far, and a balanced effort earned the Badgers a thrilling come-from behind win and a trip to Anaheim. Every single starter for Wisconsin scored at least 12 points; Frank Kaminsky (19 points, five rebounds) and Traevon Jackson (16 points, eight rebounds, five assists) were especially impressive. Oregon was led by a pair of 20-point scorers in guards Joseph Young (29 points) and Jason Calliste (20 points, four rebounds) but their efforts came up just short. Wisconsin will meet the winner of Baylor-Creighton.
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