Wisconsin picked up another win as the Badgers continue to rise up the college basketball realm.
Wisconsin played extremely well in a game that they needed a win in not just for the record but also to not get swept in the season series. The Badgers ultimately took the win, 78-68, evening up the season’s series at one apiece.
Takeaway 1#1: The three-point battle
The Badgers had a great three-point shooting night going 10-of-23 from deep for 43% with Brad Davidson going 4-of-6 from behind the line. The Badgers’ three-point shooting was what really drove them over the edge. With the Buckeyes only making 3 of their 19 three-pointers the entire game, Wisconsin won both sides of the three-point line.
Takeaway #2: A clean Wisconsin second half
Wisconsin had five early turnovers in the first half and that made the game very close for a short period of time. After a TV timeout, the Badgers came back roaring and only had four turnovers in the rest of the game. Wisconsin valuing the basketball helped a lot because when Ohio State made a few late-game runs in the second half. A costly turnover could’ve changed the momentum.
Takeaway #3: The rebound battle
Ohio State, usually a very strong rebounding team, tied Wisconsin in that department. Both teams also had seven offensive rebounds in this game. While Ohio State’s big men have been terrific rebounders all year we saw what happens when you put them against another strong rebounding team with the Badgers winning the game. The key to beating the Buckeyes is keeping the battle of the glass close.