By Paul Trembacki
Sports Editor

Wisconsin just ended Purdue's season in a gut-wrenching 64-60 game, sending the Badgers to Indianapolis for the NCAA tournament's Final Four.

The game was close throughout, but as the buzzer sounded, the Badgers danced as the Boilers walked away.

Keady said he tried to cheer up his melancholy players after the game.

"I said, ‘I’m very proud of you. You were fun to coach. Get your heads up. You have nothing to be ashamed of,’" said Keady.

"They’re going to be better off for what happened if they use this right," he said. "They had a great run."

Keady said it would have been nice to get another victory simply for the seniors’ sake and for the fans back home. He said Cardinal, a senior, has been an asset to the team during his five years.

"He was our go-to guy," said Keady. "He was great all year. He deserves better. He deserves to go to the Final Four, but we didn’t get it."

Cardinal, Robinson and junior Carson Cunningham made the all- tournament team as did Wisconsin's Mike Kelley and Andy Kowske. Badger guard Jon Bryant was named the West Regional's Most Valuable Player.

Cunningham, who missed several shots in the game’s waning moments, said he could’ve played sharper.

"I feel I kind of let my teammates down," said Cunningham. "It’s just tough right now. It’s been fun playing with all of these guys, especially the seniors."

Keady, however, said this season was successful: Purdue made its first Elite Eight appearance since 1994 and tallied 24 wins, including a string of eight in a row.

"They fought their hearts out all year," said Keady. "They all had great attitudes and they were probably the most fun team that I’ve ever coached at Purdue."