Wisconsin Badgers Tremendous Letdown, Allow Most Points Since 1995

From then on, Arizona was able to control the rest of the game, leaving the Wisconsin Badgers team looking outmatched and out of sorts. 

They looked to post up Steven Crowl against Oumar Ballo, who managed to win some low post battles, but against a strong athletic force, this was never going to be a recipe for success. Credit to Ballo who took on the challenge, and on the other end was able to dominate, including a couple of highlight dunks. 

Just in general, they really forced trying to slow the pace of the game in the half court offense to their own undoing. This team plays best when finding players off of screens and movement.

Wisconsin Badgers Inopportune Misfortune 

During the time out, we saw a mic’d up huddle of coach Greg Gard imploring his team to not look to run out on the fast break but to secure the rebound first. This came off of a good defensive play in which the Wisconsin Badgers had forced a loose ball on defense. There were several opportunities like this, where the ball just bounced into the hands of a more ready and alert Arizona Wildcat.

From banked threes, to other moments, in which seemingly a magnet allowed Arizona to keep possession, all of the 50/50 moments did not go in favor of the Wisconsin Badgers tonight.

Wisconsin Badgers Bright Spot Of The  Night

While it was known that the talent was too good to expect a defensive shut down, allowing nearly 60% shooting and giving up numerous second chances off of offensive rebounds was a frustrating way to lose. 

John Blackwell had the best showing on the court though. Against starters in the first half, he provided some much needed energy, and was being a defensive pest, while not being bullied. Though he had some garbage time minutes, we still finished with an earned team high 17 points, shooting 4 of 5 from three. Even the announcers at the end spoke of how well he represented himself throughout the game. 

Wisconsin Badgers Ending The Year

After a frustrating evening, the Wisconsin Badgers will have two home games against Jacksonville State, and Chicago State to close out the year. in 2004 they will continue their Big Ten play first against Iowa. This will give them a chance to work on matchups against similar bigs, and to work on how they want their offense to look for the rest of the year.

For now, this game can be chalked up to losing to a better team, and being caught flat footed.