The staff at Badgers Wire has been trying to get a handle on regular life recently, and we’re sure you have been trying to do the same in the midst of the uncertainty, stress, and worry caused by COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. This has disrupted American life. It has brought March Madness to a halt. It is something which demands our attention — not so that we can indulge in panic (we shouldn’t), not so that we sink into depression and dread (though the subject matter is very serious and alarming), but in order that we can sufficiently prepare, plan, and give our communities the best possible chance of minimizing the scope and scale of this crisis.
All of us at Badgers Wire hope you will get the essential items you need (lots of pantry food which you can use in the event of a quarantine or lockdown, which might occur weeks or months from now; soap or sanitizer; disinfectants or cleaners to keep surfaces clean inside your home). We hope you will self-isolate to the fullest extent that you can (in other words, for non-essential activities — those have to be on hold for awhile). We are praying for the country, which means we on staff are praying for you and your family, and for the whole University of Wisconsin family.
Our necessary attention on real life — and trying to defend against this global pandemic — has limited our output in recent days. We know, though, that we have a website to continue and maintain. We also know that after a few frantic days of stocking up and getting your lives in order, you’re probably ready for some Wisconsin sports content as a distraction.
My colleague Asher Low has begun to write about the past season of Wisconsin basketball. I am going to go inside the Badger Vault and give you a chance to rewatch significant Wisconsin postseason basketball games. This is the start of a YouTube UW basketball rabbit hole! Give yourself an escape from all the worrying events around you. Stay safe and remember some great Wisconsin hoops moments.
This is Big Ten Tournament weekend, so we’re going to start by sharing Big Ten Tournament moments. First up: the 2004 Big Ten Tournament semifinal against Michigan State. Wisconsin won 68-66, en route to its first Big Ten Tournament title.
Jim Nantz and Billy Packer are on the call for CBS:
Enjoy. Our thoughts are with you and all Americans in this difficult time.