Wisconsin

Polzin: What I like and don’t like about Wisconsin basketball’s March Madness path

Published

2 years ago

March 18, 2024

Polzin: What I like and don’t like about Wisconsin basketball’s March Madness path

MINNEAPOLIS â There are bad losses, but the one Sunday afternoon at the doesnât fit in that category for the University of Wisconsin menâs basketball team.

The Badgers won three games in four days at the Big Ten tournament. There were even plenty of encouraging signs in the lone defeat, a 93-87 setback against Illinois with the title on the line at the Target Center.

âWeâre leaving here today a much better team than when we came in on Wednesday,â Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said.

Wisconsin men’s basketball returns to NCAA Tournament after one-year absence

Gard is right. Performances against Rutgers and Purdue during the final week of the regular season provided hints that the Badgers were trending back in the right direction following a horrific stretch in which they lost seven times in nine games.

These past four days confirmed that Wisconsin had indeed turned a corner just in time for the start of the NCAA Tournament.

The Badgers (22-13) earned a No. 5 seed in the South Region and will open against James Madison (31-3) at 8:40 p.m. Friday in Brooklyn, New York. Duke, which broke Wisconsinâs hearts in the 2015 NCAA final, could be waiting in the second round.

5 things to know about Wisconsin’s March Madness first-round opponent, James Madison

Hereâs my take on the draw for Gardâs team:

What I like

Wisconsin earning a No. 5 seed is fair.

Itâs hard to say if an overtime win over top-seeded Purdue caused the selection committee to move Wisconsin from the 6 line to the 5 line, but thatâs a fair assumption. Anything worse than a 6 would have been shocking, as would anything better than a 5.

Polzin: Upset of Purdue a microcosm of Wisconsin men’s basketball’s grit and belief

Wisconsin is the No. 19 overall seed. For as much as fans dwell on the Associated Press Top 25 rankings, what that means is the committee thought the Badgers have a top-20 resume.

And I agree with that assessment. Wisconsin played a tough schedule and had a respectable 14-13 record in Quad 1 and 2 games.

â¢ A quick turnaround from an exhausting conference tournament run to a first-round NCAA Tournament game on Thursday would have been brutal. But the Badgers avoided that by being sent to Brooklyn.

Make no mistake, Wisconsin is banged up. The list of injured players starts with John Blackwell, Chucky Hepburn, Max Klesmit and Tyler Wahl. Thatâs four of the top six players in the Badgersâ rotation.

That extra day of rest is crucial.

âEverybody needs it,â Gard said. âWe just played four games in four days. Even I need it.â

â¢ Thereâs also something to be said for having too much rest. While an extra day off is good for the Badgers, I think itâs important that theyâre riding a wave of momentum right now and probably want to get on the court as soon as possible.

James Madison won the Sun Belt Tournament on March 11, meaning the Dukes will have 11 days between games. That seems like a lot to me.

Polzin: Why Wisconsin’s Superman ‘with absolutely no ceiling’ is worth the stress he causes

âThese guys want to play,â Gard said. âThereâs nobody complaining about being banged up or anything. They were ready to go.â

â¢ There are some big names in the South Region.

Duke and Kentucky are blue bloods. Houston, the No. 1 seed, has become a perennial contender under Kelvin Sampson.

Wahlâs eyes went right to Marquette at the bottom of Wisconsinâs portion of the bracket. A Badgers-Golden Eagles rematch in the Elite Eight would be fun even if that seems like a pipe dream right now.

Polzin: This ‘future leader’ of Wisconsin men’s basketball is already showing it

âYou donât know who youâre going to play,â Wahl said, âbut I think a really good team is going to come out of our side.â

What I donât like

I donât hate the Badgersâ first-round draw. But I donât love it, either.

It took CBS analyst Seth Davis about two seconds to pick James Madison over Wisconsin in a 12-5 upset. Iâm guessing that will be a popular opinion the next couple of days.

The Dukes are experienced and can put a lot of points on the board. Theyâre red-hot right now, too: James Madisonâs 13-game winning streak is the longest in the nation.

James Madison guard Noah Freidel (1) is pressured by Southern Mississippi guard Donovan Ivory (15) as he dribbles along the baseline during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Hattiesburg, Miss. Southern Mississippi won 81-71. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Rogelio V. Solis

Are the Dukes battle tested? Sort of. They opened the season with an overtime win at Michigan State, but Wisconsin won handily at the Breslin Center a month later.

James Madison only played a combined three games in Quad 1 and Quad 2. Twenty-two of its wins came in Quad 4 and another win â vs. Keystone College â doesnât even count in the NCAA Net Rankings.

Itâs a scary first-round opponent for the Badgers, but itâs not as bad as the one they drew as a No. 5 seed in 2019. Oregon was the No. 12 seed in that matchup and was coming off a run to the Pac-12 Tournament title.

â¢ I donât have to tell you that Wisconsinâs defense has been awful at times this season.

Polzin: What I liked and didn’t like about Wisconsin’s Big Ten Tournament title loss to Illinois

It was again Sunday, when Illinois averaged 1.37 points per possession. That number after halftime was a whopping 1.58, with Terrence Shannon Jr. and Marcus Domask scoring at will against the Badgers.

Wisconsin has the offensive punch to make a run to the Final Four. But I donât trust its defense to get stops when needed.

This region includes two of the top 10 offenses in the nation â Kentucky is at No. 5 in adjusted offensive efficiency while Duke is at No. 7 â and James Madison averages 84.4 points per game.

The Badgers played well on defense against Maryland and Northwestern this week. They had good moments on that end of the court vs. Purdue, too, at least when they werenât getting called for fouls.

Junior’s decision-making critical in Wisconsin men’s basketball’s upset of Purdue

They still need to buckle down and stop opponents from getting such easy access to the rim. That could be the difference between Wisconsinâs season ending at the Barclays Center or continuing to Dallas next week.

My pick

The Badgers were upbeat following the loss to Illinois.

âI like where weâre sitting right now,â Klesmit said. âIâm proud of the all the dudes in here and how we responded when stuff kind of hit the fan earlier in February.â

The vibes with this team feel good right now. Hepburn had a great Big Ten Tournament, and AJ Storr and Steven Crowl were really good as well.

My bracket will include wins over James Madison and Duke before a loss to Houston in the Sweet 16.

Photos: Wisconsin men’s basketball plays Illinois in Big Ten Tournament title

Big 10 Championship Basketball

Contact Jim Polzin at jpolzin@madison.com.

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Wisconsin

These Wisconsin Rapids restaurants are offering Easter specials

Published

1 hour ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

These Wisconsin Rapids restaurants are offering Easter specials

If you’re looking to make reservations for an Easter meal, check out these Wisconsin Rapids-area restaurants.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Calendars are quickly filling up with Easter services, egg hunts, photos with bunnies and brunch plans.

If cooking isn’t your thing, or you’ve been too busy to plan and cook this year, you have options in the Wisconsin Rapids area. Several local restaurants and businesses have you covered with all of your favorite Easter treats.

The following Wisconsin Rapids-area restaurants and businesses will be offering Easter breakfast, brunch or dinner.

Branding Iron Supper Club will offer an Easter Dinner from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 5 at 9721 State 13 S. in Saratoga. The Easter menu includes a ham dinner, a prime rib dinner, Branding Iron’s full menu, salad bar and a fresh fruit mimosa bar. The Easter Bunny will also visit from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are available at 715-325-8102.
Lake Arrowhead Association will host an Easter Brunch Buffet from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 5 at Lake Arrowhead, 1195 Apache Lane in Rome. The menu will include a variety of options including a carving station for prime rib and smoked ham, mahi mahi with a Korean glaze, sliced pork loin, chicken Alfredo, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, french fries, baby red potatoes, carrots, a build-your-own omelet station, biscuits and gravy, french toast sticks, pancakes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit, vegetables and more. Reservations are required, including a $25 non-refundable deposit to reserve a spot and can be made at 715-325-2915 or banquets@lakearrowheadgolf.com or events@lakearrowheadgolf.com.
Nekoosa Court will host an Easter Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 4 at Nekoosa Court, 145 N. Cedar St. in Nekoosa. Breakfast will include all-you-can-eat eggs, sausage, pancakes and beverages with an Easter Egg Hunt to follow.
Olympic II will host Easter Weekend Specials from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 4 and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5 at 2520 Eighth St. S. in Wisconsin Rapids. The Easter specials include a breakfast special of an 8-ounce New York strip steak and eggs, hashbrowns and toast, as well as a tenderloin and jumbo shrimp dish, a roast turkey and ham combo, chicken breast and four shrimp, ham steak, roast chicken and roast turkey. Reservations and orders for takeout can be placed at 715-424-4744.
Quality Foods is offering a complete Heat & Serve Easter Dinner, including a ham dinner for eight people with off-the-bone ham, mashed potatoes and beef gravy or eight three-cheese twice-baked potatoes, homemade stuffing, Hawaiian rolls, green bean casserole and eight slices of cheesecake. The store also will offer an Easter prime rib dinner for four, including prime rib, four three-cheese twice-baked potatoes, Hawaiian rolls, green bean casserole and cheesecake while supplies last at 1021 W. Grand Ave. and 1811 Baker Drive in Wisconsin Rapids. Orders must be placed by April 1 at 715-423-8350 for Baker Drive and at 715-423-9750 for West Grand Avenue. Orders must be picked up by noon April 5.
Slice of Heaven Bakery will host a free Easter dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 at 1158 Snow Pass in Rome. Guests can eat at the event or order for takeout. Reservations are not needed, but those who need a delivery should contact rebeccalacount@gmail.com or call 608-449-0702.
The Whitney will offer an Easter Breakfast Buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 at Hotel Mead Resorts & Convention Centers, 451 E. Grand Ave. in Wisconsin Rapids. Hot dishes include pancakes, pumpkin spice pancakes, french toast casserole, cheesy hashbrown casserole, quiche, frittatas, breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs, poached eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy and chicken and wild rice soup. Cold dishes include a yogurt bar, fruit skewers, deviled eggs, muffins, cranberry bread, croissants, biscuits and an English muffin. Desserts include fruit pie, carrot cake, peach cobbler and coffee cake. The buffet is available by reservation only at 715-423-1500.

Want to add your business to the list? Please email cshuda@usatodayco.com with the name of your restaurant, your Easter hours, what your Easter menu will include, and whether reservations are required.

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Wisconsin

How to live stream Wisconsin vs Dartmouth: NCAA hockey, TV channel

Published

13 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

How to live stream Wisconsin vs Dartmouth: NCAA hockey, TV channel

March continues on the ice as Dartmouth Big Green takes on Wisconsin Badgers in a regional semifinal matchup in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament.

MORE: How to live stream NCAA men’s hockey tournament 2026: TV channel, schedule

How to Watch Wisconsin vs Dartmouth

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026

Wisconsin enters the tournament as one of the more complete teams in the field, combining strong defensive structure with high-end offensive talent. The Badgers have leaned on forward Cruz Lucius, a dynamic scorer capable of creating chances in transition, along with Kirsten Simms, who has been a consistent offensive presence throughout the season. On the blue line, Wisconsin’s physicality and ability to limit quality scoring chances have made it a difficult matchup.

Dartmouth arrives as a disciplined and well-coached group that thrives on structure and goaltending. The Big Green will look to slow the game down and rely on key contributors like John Fusco and Cade Webber to control play in their own zone while generating offense through efficient puck movement.

This matchup will likely come down to pace and execution. Wisconsin prefers to push tempo and create scoring opportunities off the rush, while Dartmouth will aim to keep things tight, limit mistakes, and capitalize on special teams opportunities.

Fans can watch the NCAA hockey tournament across the ESPN family of networks, with games airing on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, while select matchups stream exclusively on ESPN+.

Watch Wisconsin vs Dartmouth Live on Fubo

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Wisconsin

Wisconsin Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for March 25, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

Wisconsin Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for March 25, 2026

The Wisconsin Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 25, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from March 25 drawing

07-21-55-56-64, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 6-0-9

Evening: 8-8-8

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 2-3-0-0

Evening: 4-4-1-3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning All or Nothing numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 01-02-04-08-09-10-11-12-19-20-21

Evening: 04-05-06-07-09-10-13-14-16-18-21

Check All or Nothing payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Badger 5 numbers from March 25 drawing

02-09-15-18-29

Check Badger 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning SuperCash numbers from March 25 drawing

02-06-15-18-24-26, Doubler: N

Check SuperCash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Megabucks numbers from March 25 drawing

09-13-18-28-37-38

Check Megabucks payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Prizes up to $599: Can be claimed at any Wisconsin Lottery retailer.
Prizes from $600 to $199,999: Can be claimed in person at a Lottery Office. By mail, send the signed ticket and a completed claim form available on the Wisconsin Lottery claim page to: Prizes, PO Box 777 Madison, WI 53774.
Prizes of $200,000 or more: Must be claimed in person at the Madison Lottery office. Call the Lottery office prior to your visit: 608-261-4916.

Can Wisconsin lottery winners remain anonymous?

No, according to the Wisconsin Lottery. Due to the state’s open records laws, the lottery must, upon request, release the name and city of the winner. Other information about the winner is released only with the winner’s consent.

When are the Wisconsin Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Super Cash: 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 3 (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 3 (Evening): 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 4 (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 4 (Evening): 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
All or Nothing (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
All or Nothing (Evening): 9 p.m. CT daily.
Megabucks: 9:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Badger 5: 9:00 p.m. CT daily.

That lucky feeling: Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Feeling lucky? WI man wins $768 million Powerball jackpot **

WI Lottery history: Top 10 Powerball and Mega Million jackpots

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Wisconsin editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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