In a stunning upset that has sent shockwaves throughout the college basketball world, the Wisconsin Badgers suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of the James Madison Dukes in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, with a final score of 72-61. Head coach Greg Gard addressed the media after the game, expressing his thoughts on his team's efforts and the challenging loss.

Coach Gard started by congratulating the James Madison Dukes on their impressive performance, noting that they were even more formidable in person than they appeared on film. He acknowledged their defensive pressure, which posed significant problems for the Badgers, leading to 13 turnovers in the first half. Gard highlighted the team's struggles to convert easy shots around the rim and acknowledged their inability to handle the Dukes' pressure effectively.

Despite the disappointing start, Coach Gard commended his team for their relentless effort to battle back in the second half, managing to narrow the deficit to six points on multiple occasions. He expressed pride in his seniors, particularly Tyler, who had been a vital contributor throughout the season. Gard emphasized the team's resilience and their unwavering commitment to leave everything on the court.

One reporter questioned the coach about the tough loss, considering the team's momentum coming from the Big Ten Tournament. Coach Gard acknowledged that any loss at this stage of the tournament is difficult, given the year-long dedication and hard work put in by the players. He expressed how the defeat, coming after a hard-fought season, was a bitter pill to swallow, and the emotions displayed by the players were a testament to their investment in the program.

When asked about the missed shots at the rim, Coach Gard attributed it to the pressure imposed by the Dukes. He mentioned that the physicality of the game led to turnovers and forced rushed shots. Gard also admitted that the team's shooting percentage in the first half (26 percent) and the high number of turnovers were detrimental to their chances of victory.

Coach Gard was questioned about how the team plans to move forward after the disappointment. He acknowledged the need to reflect on the season and evaluate what needs to be done to restore the program's success. Gard recognized the importance of learning from mistakes, particularly in turnovers and shot selection, to prevent similar outcomes in the future. He credited James Madison for their aggressive style of play and acknowledged that the Badgers struggled to cope with it in the early stages of the game.

Regarding the potential impact of the transfer portal on the team's roster, Coach Gard explained that it was too early to determine who might decide to leave or stay. He emphasized the unique circumstances of each player and their individual choices. Gard highlighted the strong bond within the team and the emotional locker room atmosphere, indicating that the players were genuinely committed to the program.

When asked to compare this loss to previous tournament disappointments, Coach Gard declined to make comparisons, emphasizing that each season is distinct with different players and circumstances. While acknowledging the high expectations and goals set by the team, he expressed his disappointment in their performance on the night but acknowledged that the nature of the tournament meant that a single bad game could lead to elimination.

The loss to James Madison will undoubtedly be a bitter pill for the Wisconsin Badgers to swallow. As they absorb the disappointment, Coach Gard and his team will reflect on the season's highs and lows, utilizing the lessons learned to rebuild and refocus their efforts in future campaigns.