3 Wisconsin Teams Hit The Hardwood Friday In NCAA Tournament

Three Wisconsin college basketball teams will be taking the court in the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournament Friday, including both teams from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

The Green Bay Phoenix women’s team is making its 16^th NCAA Tournament appearance this year. That follows a big win last weekend, as the team gained their 18^th straight regular season title, winning the Horizon League Championship.

The Phoenix women play University of Tennessee in the first round of the tournament Friday starting at 4 p.m.

UW-Green Bay’s men’s team is making its first tournament appearance in 20 years. The Phoenix play Texas A&M at 6:20 p.m.

According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, this is the second time in history that both the Phoenix men’s and women’s teams have made it to the tournament. Fans, the pep band, and the cheer squad are splitting up to travel and support both teams.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison men’s basketball team is making its 18^th straight NCAA Tournament appearance this year.

Not only has the young team experienced ups and downs in their playing throughout the season, but they had to deal with the sudden retirement of long-time coach Bo Ryan in December. Greg Gard then transitioned from associate head coach to head coach.

UWBadgers.com writer and Wisconsin Radio Network color analyst Mike Lucas said even though it’s been a turbulent season, the players remained focused. The first game will be tough, he said, but he favors Wisconsin over University of Pittsburgh.

“The Badgers have not made a lot of mistakes,” Lucas said. “They have not put themselves in vulnerable positions. They haven’t beaten themselves, in other words. They’ve taken care of all the little things. The good shot selection, rebounding, and defense, so that’s pretty much been the formula for success.”

The Badgers tip off at 5:50 p.m. Friday.