Allow me to be petty for a few moments.
Last year’s game between these two programs was early in the season before we knew how either team’s fortunes would unfold. Turns out Xavier ended up being one of the best teams in the country and Wisconsin would finish worse than .500 and miss the NCAA Tournament. Watching this game in real time, you would have never known.
There was more than just the play on the court that made this game one to remember though. Wisconsin Basketball fans gave Xavier all they could handle in last year’s matchup.