By Paul Trembacki
Sports Editor

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Purdue’s seniors were on a mission all season. Unfortunately for them, one of Wisconsin’s seniors was also.

Badger senior Jon Bryant’s play was a key as eighth-seeded Wisconsin (22-13) edged sixth-seeded Purdue (24-10) 64-60 Saturday afternoon to advance to the Final Four in Indianapolis.

"He was the difference," said Purdue coach Gene Keady. "I think their team defense and his 3-pointers really cut our throats."

Bryant had 18 points to lead all scorers, including five 3-pointers. He hit three consecutive 3-pointers to open the game as the Badgers held an early 9-7 advantage.

"The big thing for me was to get open," said Bryant, who was named the West Regional's Most Valuable Player. "Purdue played great defense and they made it hard to get open looks."

Bryant said he felt good during warm-ups and that feeling was there during the game also.

"I just let (them) fly and they started going down," said Bryant.

In all, Bryant made 6 of 12 from the field, including 5 of 9 from long range.

He made his biggest 3-pointer with 5:48 left to play. Moments earlier, Purdue's Brian Cardinal hit a turnaround jumper to give Purdue a 50-49 lead — its first of the second half.

The Boilers made several runs at the Badgers after falling back behind. But Purdue missed too many shots down the stretch, and Wisconsin hit just enough to prevail. The Boilers came within one at 54-53 on a Mike Robinson free throw near the end of the game, but soon after that Wisconsin led 60-53.

Purdue pulled to within three at 63-60 on a Carson Cunningham 3-pointer. But then Cunningham fouled Mike Kelley with 10.6 seconds left, and Kelley made a free throw to seal the Badger win.

Cardinal, Cunningham and Jaraan Cornell all missed key shots as Purdue’s comeback fell short.

"The thing I feel so bad about is that I didn’t step up and hit the shots down the stretch," said Cunningham, who made 4 of 12 shots from the field and 3 of 8 from 3-point range. "I thought I had good looks, but I have to give Wisconsin credit. They played good defense on me."

Cornell, a senior, had just three points on 1-of-9 shooting, including 1 of 7 from long range.

Kelley played intense defense on Cornell all game.

"I tried to stay in his face when possible," said Kelley. "We really didn’t change anything. All year our philosophy has been to chase hard around screens and take short cuts when necessary."

Cunningham and Cardinal led the Boilers with 13 points each. But the Badgers limited Cardinal’s effectiveness, holding him to just eight shot attempts and five free throw tries.

"Our goal was to make him put the ball on the floor on the perimeter," said Wisconsin’s Mark Vershaw. "We just tried to get as much help as we could."

A big help for Wisconsin was the play of Roy Boone. The junior had 12 points and made six free throws. After missing a breakaway layup with less than four minutes to play, he had a jumper and four free throws to help secure the win. He said the blown layup was quickly forgotten.

"I just went on and blocked it out," said Boone. "I had to put the last play behind me. When they fouled me down the stretch, it first dawned on me that we were going to the Final Four."