Two major conference titans will meet in the Third Round of the 2011 NCAA Tournament Bracket when Wisconsin and Kansas State take the court. The Southeast Region clash highlights the updated 2011 NCAA Tournament schedule, tipping on Saturday at 8:40 p.m. Eastern from Tucson.
NCAA Bracket 2011: No. 4 Wisconsin Vs. No. 5 Kansas State
Wisconsin dominated a Belmont team anointed by many as a potential March Madness spoiler, getting 43 combined points from Jon Leuer and Jordan Taylor and outrebounding the Bruins 29-17. The Badgers will need more of that, and some of the hot three-point shooting they enjoyed (12 of 22 from long range), too, to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
Kansas State may have to hope that someone other than Jacob Pullen shows up against the Badgers. Pullen had 22 points in the Wildcats’ Second Round victory against Utah State, and did a lot of his damage at the free throw line, sinking nine of 12 shots from the charity stripe. It was Pullen who helped propel K-State past Xavier in the Sweet Sixteen last season.
Star Watch: Curtis Kelly may have to do work against Wisconsin’s front line for Kansas State to advance. The Wildcats forward has been hot of late, averaging 15.2 points and 7.6 rebounds over his last five games.
Prediction: Wisconsin’s offensive efficiency carries them early, and a late K-State implosion makes for a 76-62 rout late.
More Reading: SB Nation’s Wisconsin blog Bucky’s 5th Quarter has more Badgers insights, Or learn more about the Wildcats Kansas State blog Bring On The Cats.
Need help picking your bracket? Check out SB Nation’s full 2011 NCAA Tournament bracket predictions, picking every game of March Madness, or our region by region breakdowns for the East Region, West Region, Southeast Region, and Southwest Region.
Did your team miss the 2011 NCAA Tournament? We have you covered: check out the 2011 NIT bracket.
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