Senior day in Madison. Not only were the Badgers sending off three great seniors who have given so much to the program. They also were playing for the outright Big Ten regular season championship along with the number one seed in the Big Ten tournament. Nebraska may be the worst team in the conference, but they were coming off a huge win at Ohio State their last time out. Nebraska came out swinging in the first half and punched the Badgers in the mouth. After Wisconsin responded, the Cornhuskers got the last laugh with a 12-2 run to finish the game. They upset Wisconsin 74-73. Here are my thoughts on the game.
Thank You Seniors
Chris Vogt has been here the shortest amount of time but has a lasting impact. In many big games, Chris kept the energy up with offensive rebounding, blocked shots, and some mean dunks. He had a huge and-one this afternoon to tie the game at 47, and had his best game of the year today. Off the floor, Chris’ hometown suffered a devastating tornado that rocked the community. Chris still played the next day against Ohio State. After that he even started a GoFundMe to help his community. Vogt saw the love and support Badger fans have for their athletes as he raised $197,876.
Carter Higginbottom is one of those guys who doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He doesn’t get the credit and recognition but the work he puts in to help better this team should be recognized. Not to mention he will be leaving Wisconsin with two degrees and two Big Ten Championships.
Last, but certainly not least. Brad Davison. Davison was emotional as he came out to shake Coach Gard’s hand. He will leave Wisconsin with a few school records. He is first in games started, games played, 3-PT FG made, and minutes played. The definition of consistency and leadership, Brad has brought an everlasting impact on this program. There have been rumors of his desire to coach and I think Wisconsin should 100% give him that opportunity. I think Brad could be a huge asset in the recruiting and development of players.
Johnny Davis Injury
What should have been a beautiful senior day came with some uneasy news. Johnny Davis was on a roll this afternoon until he was hit with foul trouble. Not missing a shot, it felt like Johnny was going to have one of those signature games. However, after a nasty block on the defensive end Johnny was on the run and took a nasty spill. Fouled and tripped at the free throw line, Johnny tried to put up a layup which resulted in a hard foul from Trey McGownes. McGownes was going for the block but when he did not get it, gave Johnny a mean elbow to the face and landed right on top of him. McGowens was hit with a flagrant two that ultimately knocked Johnny out of the game.
At first it seemed like Davis was shaking off a hit to the face. When he left the court with a noticeable limp due to his right knee, that was unsettling for Badger fans. Officially, Johnny was ruled out with a lower body injury. But, some positive signs to him being okay were a thumbs up from his dad to Wisconsin’s trainer and a quick video that looked like Davis jogging in the tunnel. We hope Wisconsin was being cautious with a share of the Big Ten title already clinched.
Yes you did pic.twitter.com/Iq5Slu5cKI
— Matthew Seehafer (@MattyIcicles52) March 6, 2022
As I was writing this, a huge update has come from Wisconsin. Johnny Davis suffered a right ankle sprain. A huge sigh of relief for Badger fans. Thanks to Evan Flood for the updates, give him a follow on Twitter for breaking news.
Hearing Johnny Davis has suffered a right ankle sprain. #Badgers fans can take a breath.
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) March 6, 2022
Zone Offense
Nebraska switched to a zone late in the second half. They missed nine straight shots over a 5:48 second span. The issue was that a lot came around the rim with Wahl and Crowl missing some big time layups.
#Badgers missed their last nine field goal attempts of the game and didn't make one for the final 5:48.
Nebraska closed the game on a 12-2 run after they led 72-61.
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) March 6, 2022
This is cause for concern and something the Badgers need to work on. You can guarantee that future opponents will use this film and think about playing zone against Wisconsin. Especially if Johnny Davis is out for some time, teams will sit in a zone and dare the Badgers to shoot.
Final Thoughts
Such a disappointing day, but the loss is not the main concern for Wisconsin fans. Johnny Davis’ health is the most important thing right now in Wisconsin and let’s hope he misses no postseason time. Concerning the Big Ten tournament, if Illinois wins over Iowa tonight they will share the Big Ten regular season championship and have the one seed for this weekend’s tournament. So, I hate to say it. But, let’s cheer on Iowa tonight.
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