Wisconsin, playing 'home' game, survives gritty Oregon

MILWAUKEE -- In a test of tempos, Wisconsin delivered the knockout punch.

Ben Brust hit a three-pointer with 1:07 left and the second-seeded Badgers overcame seventh-seeded Oregon's transition game for a 85-77 win last night in a West Regional third-round game at the Bradley Center to get into the Sweet 16.

Brust's clutch three from the corner gave the Badgers (28-7) the lead for good in a clash of styles played before a boisterous pro-Wisconsin crowd.

Traevon Jackson followed with three free throws, but missed one with 21 seconds left to give the Ducks (24-10) one more chance to tie trailing by three. Oregon gave it to Joseph Young, who had made big shots all night and scored 29 points. But he missed a rushed three from the wing, and the Badgers sealed it at the foul line.

The red-clad fans erupted into a deafening roar. Their beloved Badgers are back in the NCAA regional semifinals for the first time since 2012. They will play Baylor or Creighton in Anaheim, Calif., on Thursday.

Frank Kaminsky led the way with 19 points, Jackson finished with 16 and Brust had 12.

Left off-kilter by the Ducks' transition game early and trailing by 12 at the half, the Badgers hustled back in the second half to answer the Oregon charge and frustrate their foes in the half court.

That pace played more to their liking. Buckets in the lane by Kaminsky, a jump-shooting 7-footer, and coach Bo Ryan's gritty guards set the tone inside, and later helped open up the perimeter.

As had often happened during the night, Young had an answer. His three from the wing with 2:50 left to give Oregon a 75-74 lead.

The Badgers hustled for offensive rebounds on their next possession. Off a timeout, Ryan reinserted Brust, who was saddled with four fouls. The senior delivered in a huge spot. Young couldn't deliver one last time.

Jason Calliste had 20 points for Oregon, which set the tone early with in-your-face defense and an aggressive offense.

Oregon pounced in the first 20 minutes. Sometimes it was Calliste driving to the bucket to draw fouls. Other times it was Young hitting midrange jumpers.

Then Wisconsin found its way in the second half.

Despite the disappointing ending, Oregon had regrouped quite well since a midseason stretch of eight losses in 10 games.