Wisconsin had a rematch with the Spartans tonight just 19 days after their 74-86 home loss in January. However, that game was played without forward Tyler Wahl, who has proven to be one of the most important players for the Badgers. The Breslin Center has not been friendly to the Badgers. Tonight, they could make it two in a row in this building thanks to the Christmas Day win in 2020. All time, Wisconsin is just 15-50 in East Lansing. Wisconsin got its revenge 70-62 tonight. And for the 19th time in the last 21 seasons, the Badgers have reached double digit Big Ten wins. They also accomplished something no Badger team has done since 1963: Winning in West Lafayette and East Lansing in the same season since 1963. Here’s 3 things from the win.
First time #Badgers have won in West Lafayette and in East Lansing in the same season since 1963.
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) February 9, 2022
3 point shooting
I cannot remember the last time I wrote about a Badger game where 3 point shooting wasn’t the main topic of conversation. Whether it be good or bad, Wisconsin has been too streaky from behind the arch. The Badgers have done a good job guarding the 3 point line. Or they have gotten really lucky, you decide. Tonight, both teams started a combined 0-11 from 3. The first made 3 for either team came at the 5 minute mark on a beautiful Johnny Davis step back triple. Chucky Hepburn delivered a deep 3 right before half to give Wisconsin a 6 point lead. Hepburn continues to be rock solid for the Badgers.
The second half was a much different story. We knew a good team like the Spartans wouldn’t continue to miss good looks, especially at home. Michigan State started the second half 3-4 from behind the line. However, to my surprise, as the second half went on, the Spartans cooled off and finished just 3-13 from the 3-point line. Aside from the few breakdowns on defense, Wisconsin was locked in on that end and made the Spartans work on every possession. To go along with the perimeter defense, the Badgers also forced 12 turnovers. Even with Wisconsin going 6-18 from 3 with Brad struggling tonight, they have proven the ability to take away the 3 on the other end.
Here’s Johnny!
Johnny Davis returned to form tonight at the perfect time for the Badgers. With a hobbled Wahl and struggling Brad, Johnny brought the offense again. Deja vu from the Purdue game, it seems to me Johnny doesn’t shy away from these moments on the road. However, he thrives in them. Some players just have that “dog” in them and poker face Johnny Davis has it. Against unranked teams Johnny scores a modest 18.5 PPG. When going against ranked teams, Davis scores 25.3 PPG, which leads the NCAA.
Coming down the stretch in the second half Wisconsin continued to run the same exact play for Davis. A staggered double screen right around the elbow where Davis would come from the paint and get the ball at the top of the key. Even if this didn’t generate a good look, Wisconsin’s bigs would turn around for an immediate ball screen which allowed Johnny to get downhill. After having his jersey ripped on a free throw rebound, Johnny came out sporting the number 51 and put the game on ice with an impressive euro-step finish.
The “Izzone” is one of the more hostile environments to play in college basketball. There was some major heckling towards Brad Davison (of course). Even Izzo turned around to make a gesture at a student to calm down. Rarely have we seen emotion from Johnny Davis, but number 51 Johnny was having none of that. How about a little wave goodbye and “L” from Davis to the Izzone. It reminded me of the famous Ethan Happ blown kisses at the Barn.
SELL THE JOHNNY DAVIS #51 JERSEYS NOW pic.twitter.com/u3n12uE25h
— Colton (@ColtonMosley3) February 9, 2022
Free Throw Shooting
Wisconsin is number three in the Big Ten when it comes to free throw percentage, right behind Michigan State. The Badgers left a lot of points at the line, especially in the second half. Wisconsin was 7-14 at the 1:30 mark while Michigan State was 12-14. The Spartans even went as far as to foul early at this time in the game knowing the struggles. Freshman Chucky Hepburn calmly stepped up to the line and knocked in his first two free throws of the game.
Wisconsin was lucky this didn’t hurt them in this particular game. Thanks to hitting 7 of their last 8 free throws all under a minute. For a team that is great from the free throw line, there is no room for error in that category come March time.
A Few Things to Watch
There are a few things Wisconsin fans should keep an eye on moving forward. Tyler Wahl had a big man fall right on top of that banged up right ankle. He looked to be in serious pain in the moment, but was able to finish the game. That ankle could definitely swell up overnight so hopefully he is ok. Also, tonight Purdue and Illinois face off in a heavyweight matchup. If Purdue wins, Wisconsin will be right with Illinois at 10-3 in the conference.
Uh oh.
Tyler Wahl holding his ankle.#Badgers
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) February 9, 2022
Wisconsin takes the floor again on Saturday afternoon at home against Rutgers. Never sleep on an opponent and the Scarlet Knights just took down Michigan State last week.
Follow me on Twitter @gamble_griffin3 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics! Click below to read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!