LOS ANGELES -- For the second consecutive season, the Wisconsin Badgers have advanced to the Final Four with a win over the Arizona Wildcats in the Elite Eight. Saturday's 85-78 win over Arizona was the result of a lights-out shooting effort by the Badgers, who connected on 79 percent of their shots after halftime and 83 percent (10-for-12) of their 3-pointers in the second half.
Sam Dekker scored 27 points and Frank Kaminsky added a game-high 29 points. The duo was unstoppable for an Arizona team that couldn't find the right defensive combination to minimize its contributions.
Per ESPN Stats & Information, Wisconsin averaged a ridiculous 1.67 points per possession in the second half. That's crazy. The Badgers scored 1.33 PPP throughout the game, the highest mark Arizona has allowed in four seasons, also per ESPN Stats & Info.
The Badgers were down by three points at halftime, but they rallied in the second half to outscore Arizona 55-45.
It was a remarkable effort by Bo Ryan's program.
Star of the regional: Dekker was a legit NBA prospect entering the NCAA tournament. But his efforts in Los Angeles against North Carolina and Arizona, two of the most talented and athletic teams in the country, should elevate his draft stock.
Dekker scored 23 points in Wisconsin's win over UNC in the Sweet 16 through a variety of slashes, jump shots and 3-pointers. Against Arizona, Dekker finished with 27 and nailed a crucial 3-pointer with 17.6 seconds to play that extended Wisconsin's lead to eight points, 84-76.
Big moment in Los Angeles: On Thursday, the Tar Heels took a 51-44 lead on Marcus Paige's jump shot with 12:16 to play in their Sweet 16 matchup. At that point, North Carolina had been the better team throughout the game. The Tar Heels were tough inside and in transition. They'd done a solid job of harassing Kaminsky in the first half. From there, however, Wisconsin launched a 17-9 run that turned the game in its favor for good. That was a critical stretch for the Badgers in a difficult moment.
What's next: Last season, the Badgers lost to the Kentucky Wildcats in the Final Four on Aaron Harrison's late 3-pointer. Now, they'll face the Wildcats again on Saturday in the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. But this Kentucky squad is even better than the one the Badgers encountered a year ago. Kentucky is one of the top defensive teams in recent college basketball history. Wisconsin has been one of the most efficient offensive units all season and throughout the tournament. Get your popcorn ready for this one.