With Wisconsin up by 1 point the following sequence unfurled:
-Armon Bassett penetrated into the lane and hit a short jumper. Indiana leads.
-Brian Butch slid past DJ White and made a short lay-up. Wisconsin leads.
-DJ White caught the ball at the top of the free throw lane and calmly knocked down a jump shot. Indiana leads.
-Marcus Landry missed a jumper but had perfect timing on the rebound and tipped in his miss. Wisconsin leads.
-Eric Gordon drew contact earning a one-and-one. He calmly made both shots. Indiana leads.
-Brian Butch took a screen at the top of the circle and from the 45 degree angle banked in a ridiculous three pointer. Wisconsin leads.
-Jamarcus Ellis missed a three pointer. Wisconsin won.
In a conference known for fabulous defense, these two teams fighting for a Big Ten title exchanged one of the best offensive endings in recent memory. Six lead changes in the final two minutes, and one 7 foot senior center doing the unthinkable.
Butch started the year 3 of 32 from three point range. I openly questioned his shot selection, and so did the Wisconsin media. But after a recent 7 of 11 stretch from downtown, Butch had confidence, and the 5th year senior made the three pointer to keep his team in the hunt for a Big Ten championship.
Illinois fans will enjoy the karma after seeing Gordon bank in a three to tie the Illini a week earliar. Indiana fans disgusted by the reclassification of Sampson’s violations as major and not secondary will grumble under their breath. But I just enjoyed a fantastic ending to a basketball game.