INDIANAPOLIS — Wisconsin coach Dick Bennett said he will take some time before deciding on whether to return for a sixth season. He originally signed a five-year deal and has not signed an extension.

“My wife and I are going to get away for a while and then think about some things,” said Bennett. “My original commitment was a five-year commitment to turn the program around. I believe that has happened. There’s a good nucleus returning. There’s a good chance to recruit. Those are all very positive.”

The best drama of the first half of Michigan State’s 53-41 win over Wisconsin took place on the Badgers’ bench. Bennett yanked Mark Vershaw, the team’s leading scorer, and berated him for not setting picks. Vershaw challenged his coach’s assessment and the two got into a heated argument with Bennett telling his player to sit down.

“Mark and I spat often,” said Bennett. “You know, usually he’s right and I’m wrong. But today I was right. I just sensed that the physical play was bothering him.”

Florida guard Kenyan Weaks, the only senior on the Gator roster, hails from Concord, N.C., about 120 miles from Chapel Hill.

He grew up a North Carolina State fan, and was snubbed by both UNC and Duke, that state’s traditional powerhouses. He beat both on the way to tomorrow’s championship game.

“It meant a lot to me, even though I was just trying to think of this as another game on the way to the title,” Weaks said after the Gators beat the Tar Heels 71-59 last night.

The senior had missed just three free throws in 55 attempts all year, but missed his first three fouls shots last night.

Florida’s bench, after outscoring North Carolina’s 37-2, has outscored opponents 31.9-11.8 this year.