Bogans was floored but Kentucky still won

The Wildcats, who extended their winning streak to an NCAA-best 26 games, now advance to the Midwest final on Saturday against Marquette.

The Golden Eagles surprised Pittsburgh 77-74 to set up their meeting with Kentucky.

The Wildcats were pushed all the way by the Badgers, whose fans had plenty to shout about they trailed by just a point with a 1:30 remaining.

But Kentucky showed their mettle despite the absence of guard Keith Bogans, who did not make it to half-time after spraining his left ankle.

MARCH MADNESS Teams: 65 Defending champ: Maryland Top overall seeds: Kentucky, Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma When: 20 March-7 April Where: Regional finals - New York, Texas, Minnesota and California. Final - Louisiana What is March Madness?

Four free throws in the closing seconds sealed the Wildcats' win.

Marquis Estill carried the load for Kentucky, pouring in a career-high 28 points, going 12-of-18 from the field.

New Zealand's Kirk Penney led Wisconsin with 20 points.

In the second Midwest semi-final, third-seeded Marquette survived a late charge to upset second-ranked Pittsburgh.

Leading by 11 late on, the Eagles saw Pittsburgh close to within a point with less than 30 seconds to play.

Marquette guard Dwyane Wade then made a crucial lay-up to put his team up by three points.

After the teams exchanged free throws, Pittsburgh's Brandin Knight missed from just beyond the arc as the clock ran out.

Wade notched 22 points to top Marquette, with Scott Merritt adding 17 and Robert Jackson 16, while Chevon Troutman had 15 points for Pittsburgh.