Wisconsin holds off Oregon, 72-65, to reach Sweet 16

OMAHA — — Sam Dekker scored 17 points to lead four Wisconsin players in double figures, and the No. 1-seeded Badgers are headed back to the Sweet 16 after defeating Oregon, 72-65, Sunday night.

The Badgers (33-3) beat the Ducks (26-10) in the third round for the second consecutive year and will play fourth-seeded North Carolina in the Sweet 16 on Thursday at Los Angeles.

Wisconsin led all game until Dwayne Benjamin tied the score, 52-52, with a three-point basket with 5 minutes 27 seconds to play. The Badgers regained the lead on Dekker’s reverse layup and three-pointer.

Joseph Young, who scored 27 points in Oregon’s win against Oklahoma State on Friday, had 30 points against the Badgers.

“We’re definitely excited and thrilled to be there, but we’re not as in awe or shocked as we were last year,” Nigel Hayes said of the Badgers’ upcoming game with the Tar Heels. “Last year, we were jumping around up and down on the court, celebrating. This time, it was ‘Hoo-rah, good job guys. We have the next game to take care of.’ ”