Nebraska Basketball: Ticket Should Be Punched With Win Over Wisconsin Badgers

What was called the biggest game in Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball history by many lived up to its billing. The No. 9 Wisconsin Badgers visited Lincoln, NE looking to strengthen their position in the 2014 NCAA Tournament. The Big Red took the court surrounded by 15,998 crammed into the Pinnacle Bank Arena ready to cheer them into the Big Dance.

On “No Sit Sunday”, the crowd happily obliged. This had no feel of a basketball game, but of a brawl, and that’s what those viewing it were treated to.

When the final buzzer hit, it signaled more than another victory in The Vault for the Huskers. Fans stormed the court and Nebrasketball collectively held up its regular season resume for all to see. These supposed scrubs are now the No. 4 seed in the upcoming Big Ten tournament. The NCAA selection committee cannot deny them entry. There’s no doubt of that anymore.

A team that went 11-7 in college basketball’s elite conference isn’t good enough to invite to the Big Dance? They do claim in-conference wins over a No. 17 squad and two No. 9 crews, after all. A team that I guarantee no one in the nation, let alone the Big Ten wants a piece of right now shouldn’t be a part of March Madness?

Fans of the college game tout how wonderful the NCAA basketball tournament is, and they’re right. Nebrasketball needs to be a part of it, because as great as March Madness is, it can always get better. This group of supposed nobodies-become-somebodies is looking to make history. Not only would a spot in the field be the program’s first in 16 years, but a win would be its first … ever.

That’s a story that demands to be written in the annals of college hoops lore. The Huskers must be a part of the tournament. To keep them from it would not only be cruel, but punishing the majesty of what could be.

Cinderella’s having her scarlet gown made. She’ll be waiting for her ride.

Brandon Cavanaugh is a Big 10 writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @eightlaces, like his Facebook page and add him to your Google+ network.