When ESPN analyst Jay Bilas was asked about the importance of matchups in the tournament, he said, "It's the whole thing. Who can explain why one team wins all their games but against one opponent? Some teams match up well with other teams and some don't. It's based on style of play and it's always been that way."
The Badgers found out Sunday they are seeded third in the Midwest Regional and will open with 14th-seeded Cal State-Fullerton (24-8), which tied for first in the Big West, then won its conference title as the third seed by beating UC Irvine in the title game. The Titans are making their first NCAA appearance in 30 years.
If UW wins that game, it could face sixth-seeded Southern California (21-11) and heralded freshman O.J. Mayo in the second round.
It's dangerous to look much further down the road than that — remember UW's upset loss as the second seed to seventh-seeded UNLV last year in the second round? — but second-seeded Georgetown (27-5) could be waiting in the Sweet Sixteen and top-seeded Kansas (31-3) in the Elite Eight.
Kelley, who works as an analyst for ESPN, thinks the Badgers have the makings of a tough out in the tournament, thanks to their consistency and style of play under coach Bo Ryan.

read_more