Sports

---

Cardinal Zone podcast

Predicting the rest of the NBA first round

The first round of last year’s NBA playoffs was addiction for many fans, as an unprecedented five out of the eight series went to Game 7s. So far, the first hit of the playoff drug has been less potent, as six out of the eight top seeds won their first game.

Badgers drop two in Illinois series

This past weekend the Badgers (4-12 Big Ten, 19-25 overall) competed in a hard-fought series with Illinois but only managed one win in three games. Wisconsin’s offense drove it to one win and at least kept the other games close.

UW’s unheralded recruits beating curve

When the final buzzer sounded and the Badgers fell just one win short of immortality, basketball fans around the country were distraught. Even as the favorite going into the game, impartial fans were cheering almost exclusively for Wisconsin. But why?

Settle brings forceful expertise to running back crew

John Settle’s deep, clear voice cut through the pounding music projecting from Camp Randall Stadium’s sound system and the cacophony of whistles and smacking shoulder pads during individual position drills at a recent spring practice.

Chryst's supporting cast jells together

When Gary Andersen shocked the college football world by darting for Corvallis last December, it set the wheels in motion for yet another coaching staff shuffle for the Wisconsin Badgers.

We got five on it: Cardinal anticipates fifth straight win

“April is the cruellest month [for whoever has to lose again to The Daily Cardinal softball team].”

Wisconsin travels to Champaign to take on powerful Illinois squad

After a 10-game home stand, Wisconsin (3-10 Big Ten, 18-23 overall) heads to Champaign this weekend for a three-game series against Illinois (8-4, 18-21).

Kaminsky, Dekker both face uncertainty at the next level

The 2014-’15 Wisconsin men’s basketball team produced a lot of things, including great memories, cut-down nets and two potential first-round NBA draft picks. After drying away the tears, we heard that Sam Dekker is truly gone, and he will join his co-star and Wooden Award winner Frank Kaminsky at the next level. 

Badgers split doubleheader with Green Bay

In an effort to rebound from a disappointing weekend and make one last push before the postseason, Wisconsin took to the field Tuesday eager to not only beat Green Bay, but do it twice.

Stave faces new challengers at QB

It’s no secret that teams live and die by their quarterbacks, both at the collegiate and professional level. As Wisconsin fans have endured for years, a team can only go so far on the shoulders of its running backs. When it gets to those crucial third-down situations late in games, teams have to throw the ball, and the ones with the better quarterback usually finish on top.

Badgers try to bounce back after disappointment vs. Iowa

Wisconsin has a chance to bounce back this Tuesday after a heartbreaking loss in extra innings to Iowa this past Sunday. After splitting the first two games of the series, the Badgers came up short in their last ten innings of play against the Hawkeyes.

UW teams face spectrum of 2015-'16 outlooks

Volleyball

Season not diminished by championship game loss

I didn’t think I would come to accept the Badgers’ title game loss to Duke as quickly as I did. It’s only been a week now, but Wisconsin’s defeat to one of the most hated teams in college basketball seems like a distant memory.

Badgers drop two of three in weekend series with Iowa

Despite averaging 10 runs per game over their last four matchups, Wisconsin (17-22 overall, 2-9 Big Ten) dropped two of three games over the weekend against Iowa (14-31, 5-9).

Sweep complete: Frank Kaminsky wins Wooden Award

From averaging 4.2 points off the bench as an unheralded sophomore to staking his claim as the best player in all of college basketball, Frank Kaminsky’s incredible collegiate journey is complete.

Sam Dekker declares for NBA Draft

Maybe it was only a matter of time once he sank that final shot against Arizona, but now, it’s official: Sam Dekker will not play his senior year at Wisconsin.

UW offense looks to continue improving against weak Iowa pitching staff

Coming off a dominating performance against Valparaiso earlier in the week, Wisconsin (1-7 Big Ten, 16-20 overall) will take the momentum and attempt to get some more conference victories in its series against Iowa (3-8, 12-30) this weekend.

Jordan family driving UW wrestling

When it comes to American politics, the Kennedy name runs deep. In pop music, it’s hard to beat the Jacksons. In Wisconsin wrestling, the biggest name is Jordan.

Looking ahead to next year: A way too early 2015-’16 Top 5

Sadly, Wisconsin is probably not returning to the Top 5 any time soon. Here are the five teams most likely to open next season at the top of the rankings.