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2017 March Madness: Top 8 Performers From East Region in Opening Round

By Nick Ziegler

Mar 16, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; The Villanova Wildcats mascot performs in the second half against the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Villanova won 76-56. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; The Villanova Wildcats mascot performs in the second half against the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Villanova won 76-56. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 March Madness
Mar 16, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Bronson Koenig (24) passes the ball against Virginia Tech Hokies guard Seth Allen (4) in the second half during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Wisconsin won 84-74. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Bronson Koenig

One of the top performers in the East Region and the entire NCAA Tournament in the opening round was Senior guard Bronson Koenig. Wisconsin has become a regular in the NCAA Tournament, and Koenig has been a big factor in those runs.

In recent years, Koenig has been one of the most clutch players in the country, and he showed up in the Opening Round. As an eight seed in the East Region, Wisconsin had a difficult game against Virginia Tech in the Opening Round. This was a game on contrasting styles with Virginia Tech being a high-powered offense.

Despite Virginia Tech being the better offensive team, it was Koenig who had the big game offensively. In the win, Koenig totaled a game-high 28 points on a ridiculous eight-for-17 shooting from three-point range. Not only was Koenig a top performer in this game, but he was had arguably the best game of any player in the opening round.

Koenig has shown the ability to carry Wisconsin offensively in recent years, and he is heating up at the right time. If he continues to play like he did against Virginia Tech, the Badgers will be able to compete against anyone. Playing Villanova in the next round will be challenging, but Koenig might be able to carry them to a win.

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