On Thursday, the Wisconsin Badgers took on the Indiana Hoosiers. And after two overtimes, the Badgers narrowly escaped the feisty Hoosiers from Indiana. This win marks Wisconsin’s 18th straight win against Indiana at home. While this was one of the uglier wins against the Hoosiers, the Badgers still got the job done. After being tied after regulation and the first overtime, Wisconsin turns it on in the second overtime to outscore Indiana 11-4 and win 80-73. This game was a close one, but how did it shake out? Here’s the breakdown!
First Half
First HalfWisconsin came out strong in the first half, scoring the first five points. But after that, IU fought back in and stuck around. The Hoosiers even managed to take a two point lead at 11-9. After that, Wisconsin looked to take the game back. The Badgers then cut the deficit and took a commanding lead by going on a 16-2 run. But Indiana began to chip away at the double digit lead held by Wisconsin before the half. The Hoosiers were able to trim their deficit from double digits to only five at halftime.
Second Half
The Badgers and Hoosiers went back and forth on buckets at the start of the second half, with Wisconsin keeping a slight lead. That was, until, IU player Jerome Hunter hit a three to take the lead. After that, it was Wisconsin who was fighting tooth and nail to inch ahead. Towards the end of regulation, D’Mitrik Trice sunk some clutch free throws, tying up the score at 59. After another big bucket by Hunter to put IU up, Trice showed the ice in his veins by hitting a jumper to tie it up at 61. After a questionable no call on a missed layup by Trayce Jackson-Davis, the game hit the end of regulation.
Overtime
In the first overtime, IU started it off with a three. Then, Brad Davison hit back with a three of his own. After a two point bucket from IU, Trice hit a three to take the lead. After Indiana took another two point lead, Trice hit another clutch bucket to tie up the game with 12 seconds remaining. Brad Davison then went and had a great defensive play on the other end, forcing a jump ball. Davison then threw up a half court shot that rimmed out of the basket. In the second overtime, Wisconsin took control quickly. After a few free throws from Nate Reuvers, and one from Jackson-Davis, Wisconsin was clinging to a one point lead with three and a half minutes remaining. Then, out of nowhere, Tyler Wahl makes an appearance. After the odd benching of Micah Potter, Wahl came from off the bench in the second half. Wahl hit back to back threes to blow the doors off of this game. After another clutch shot by Trice, Wisconsin ran away with the game in the end of the second overtime.
Other Takeaways
Points in the Paint
One of the main reasons Indiana was able to keep this game close was because of the ungodly amount of points in the paint the Hoosiers put up. Indiana put up 44 points in the paint, over half of their total points. Wisconsin will need to clean up their interior defense in future games against future opponents.
Trice with the Ice
D’Mitrik Trice has proven, once again, that he is the superstar on this team. After multiple, clutch buckets in this game alone, Trice has shown how he can be someone to rely on when needed in big time moments. His improvement this season has been remarkable.
What’s going on with Micah Potter?
In the second half, Micah Potter was put on the bench for most of the half and the first overtime. Potter only came in to relieve Reuvers in the second overtime. Potter was seen on the sideline arguing with coach Greg Gard. Aieem Ford was also on the sideline for much of the game. Their sideline demeanor and post game comments look like there is nothing to worry about, but it may be something to keep an eye on.
While a down to the wire, ugly win against an Indiana team barely staying above .500 may not look pretty on paper, a win is a win. And a win against the Hoosiers is always a personal favorite of mine. This win showed resilience from the Badgers and is another win against a Big Ten opponent. Next game is a huge one, against the undefeated Michigan Wolverines.
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