Wisconsin Badgers Crowned Kings in Battle 4 Atlantis Championship Run

Despite a polo shirt and an access pass around his neck, Bo Ryan was all business on Friday in the No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers’ 69-56 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners in the Battle 4 Atlantis basketball tournament in the Bahamas.

Bo Ryan reacts during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Frank Kaminsky scored a game high 17 points to lead the Badgers, followed by Duje Dukan and Traevon Jackson with 13 each. Sam Dekker finished with 11 points after being replaced on more than a few occasions after turnovers and Nigel Hayes added 10.

Dinjiyl Walker led Oklahoma with 10 points and was the only Sooner to hit double digits.

Keys to the Game

Things looked dire for the entire first half. Even when the Badgers got some momentum, a turnover or missed rebound stifled any chance of a run. The Sooners capitalized on dumb mistakes by Dekker (who was replaced 17 seconds into the game after giving up a turnover and handing the Sooners a quick 3-0 lead) but that all stopped to start the second half.

The Badgers went on a 16-2 run to begin the second half, in large part due to Kaminsky’s return tot he floor after two early fouls sent him to the bench almost the whole first half.

Wisconsin Highlights

Kaminsky shined in the paint when he got his chances. The tank had eight rebounds and hit two big, wide open 3-pointers to keep the Badgers lead in double digits. Kaminksy added a 3-point play and finally found his rhythm with Jackson.

Dukan got extended playing time in the first for Dekker and made the most of it. He had 11 of his 13 in the first half alone and was one of the few bright spots in an aggravating first half.

The Badgers shot 43.5 percent from the field but still needed to take 60+ shots. Wisconsin didn’t even make it to the line in the first half and instead watched Oklahoma knock every single shot down until the second half.

The Sooners finished 17 of 19 from the line and the Badgers were only 6 of 8.

Frank Kaminsky (44) accepts the most outstanding player trophy in the 2014 Battle 4 Atlantis championship game. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Side Notes

Oklahoma seemed content to play slowed-down old-fashioned Wisconsin basketball in the first 5 minutes. But after leading 5-2, that got old and points started falling. After the second half run, the Sooners got too eager too fast and started missing shots they made with the few extra seconds they took in the opening 15 minutes.

No. 2 Wisconsin (7-0) will host No. 4 Duke at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2 in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Duke’s only top-25 matchup this season was a 81-71 win over Michigan State in Indy.