Michael Flowers had nine points for the Badgers, and they were able to defeat Cal State Fullerton. (AP Images)

Don't tell me you weren't a little worried Wisconsin fans, this one was closer than the 71-56 final would indicate.

Cal State Fullerton hung with Wisconsin in the first half, but the Badgers were able to pull away in the second.

Cal State was only down two points at halftime, keeping pace behind the play of guard Josh Akognon.

Akognon schooled the Badgers all contest, scoring 31 points and knocking down five of 12 threes, but he didn't have much help. There was only one other Titan that reached double digits.

Wisconsin had a more balanced attack, three players finished with double digits in points and three had at least nine rebounds.

The Badgers were able to cover the 12-point spread with the 15-point win.

Stay tuned for all your March Madness first round results and recaps!

March Madness Odds

Marco Lassiter goes for a ride to celebrate his team's Big West win. (AP Images)

It’s been three decades since Cal State Fullerton reached the NCAA Tournament. The Titans ended the run of futility by clinching the Big West conference title late Saturday night, upending UC Irvine, 81-66, in Anaheim, Calif.

Behind 23 points from Josh Akognon, the Titans accomplished the feat and immediately drew comparisons to the school’s 1978 squad that reached the Elite Eight of March Madness.

CS Fullerton easily covered the point spread, which was 6.5 in its favor.

Akognon was named the tournament MVP. "It feels absolutely great," he said of the victory and the recognition. The Titans (24-8) could be a sleeper to watch because they’re deeper than most small-conference champions.

Scott Cutley was a co-Big West Player of the Year and in the title game he put up a double-double (22 points and 12).

In other conference championship action in college hoops on Saturday:

Boise State 107, New Mexico State 102: In the most thrilling game of the conference playoffs in any league, the Broncos needed triple-overtime to capture the Western Athletic Conference title. Boise State reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 14 years as Reggie Larry scored 31 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. New Mexico State beat the point spread, which was 6.5 in the Broncos’ favor.

Bet on March Madness!