Nigel Hays , Wisconsin Knock-Off Defending National Champion Villanova

Defending national champions and top-seeded Villanova was knocked off by eight seeded Wisconsin Saturday in the second round. 

Nigel Hays led Wisconsin with 19 points while he also hit the layup with 11.4 seconds left that put them ahead. 64-52. "according to http://www.uwbadgers.com/news/2017/3/18/mens-basketball-badgers-big-win-uw-pulls-off-upset-to-advance-to-sweet-16.aspx?path=mbball

Josh Hart scored 19 to lead Villanova, but the senior guard was stripped by Vitto Brown on a drive in the final seconds. Brown then split a pair of free throws with four seconds left, but Villanova couldn't get off a final shot. "according to http://www.uwbadgers.com/news/2017/3/18/mens-basketball-badgers-big-win-uw-pulls-off-upset-to-advance-to-sweet-16.aspx?path=mbball

When the final horn sounded, Wisconsin's red-clad fans erupted in celebration and the Badgers stormed the floor after taking down a No. 1 seed for the third time in four years. Wisconsin beat Arizona in 2014, Kentucky in 2015 and now can add Villanova to its list. "according to http://www.uwbadgers.com/news/2017/3/18/mens-basketball-badgers-big-win-uw-pulls-off-upset-to-advance-to-sweet-16.aspx?path=mbball

Flushed with pride, Wisconsin coach Greg Gard hugged his wife and children as the Badgers' pep band played their hearts out. "accordingtohttp://www.uwbadgers.com/news/2017/3/18/mens-basketball-badgers-big-win-uw-pulls-off-upset-to-advance-to-sweet-16.aspx?path=mbball

For Villanova, it's a bitter end to a great season by the Big East champions, who came into the tournament expected to at least escape the East's bracket but had their hopes busted and will have to relish those moments from last year when they won their first title since 1985." according to http://www.uwbadgers.com/news/2017/3/18/mens-basketball-badgers-big-win-uw-pulls-off-upset-to-advance-to-sweet-16.aspx?path=mbball

Villanova coach Jay Wright was concerned about Wisconsin, calling them a ''great number eight'' seed. As it turned out, the Badgers were more than that, as savvy seniors Koenig and Hayes made several key plays in the closing minutes. "according to http://www.uwbadgers.com/news/2017/3/18/mens-basketball-badgers-big-win-uw-pulls-off-upset-to-advance-to-sweet-16.aspx?path=mbball

Wisconsin now moves on to the sweet sixteen to take on Florida from the South Eastern Conference on Friday .