Wisconsin basketball got back on the correct side of the ledge with a massive home win against Western Kentucky. So here are some of Badger of Honor’s snap reactions to the 81-80 win.
Man did Wisconsin basketball need to get that result. After two straight loses and dropping four of five, the season was rapidly dissolving in the first semester.
It may not be one for the treasure trove but the Badgers improved to 5-7 with the smash and grab job against Western Kentucky. Wisconsin saw a late lead disappear again, but they still scarped out a win at the Kohl Center.
So read on for our quick thoughts on the vital victory and what it means for Wisconsin basketball.
Related Story: Wisconsin Basketball Matching up with Western Kentucky
1. Lets give credit for Greg Gard for the clever training ground play to win it
After Western Kentucky leveled things with two seconds left, the Badgers burned its final timeout. That irked me because I was expecting a pass to half court and a timeout.
Instead, Brevin Pritzl was inbounding and Brad Davison set a screen on a defender. He was clattered over and the referee called a foul.
Great players make great plays. Smart players make smart plays.@braddavi34 takes a charge & hits a late free throw for the @BadgerMBB victory!! #Badgers pic.twitter.com/l7rtQCXGCl
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) December 14, 2017
Davison made a free throw and purposefully (and smartly) missed the second. The miss was smart too because it was pretty near impossible for the Hilltoppers to grab the board and get a real shot off. It also prevented them from trying the same stunt.
We’ve had that play forever. That’s the first time I’ve ever seen it work!
— Zak Showalter (@ZShowbball333) December 14, 2017
I’m certain everybody has that play. Gard dialed it up at the right time knowing with two seconds and the length of the court to go mean likely overtime. A fairly low risk call and it worked. I’m sure if no foul is called Pritzl had an actual play designed for him and the other three players.
Related Story: Big Ten Basketball Preview
2. Free throw shooting is still a problem
The Badgers were just 13/23 from the foul line which is 56.5 percent. That’s especially problematic when you’re say, trying to close out a big home win.
With Wisconsin up five with 1:56 left, Ethan Happ split a pair. Then with just :27 left, Davison made 1/2 to but fouled after the miss. That enabled Western Kentucky to make both with the clock stopped and pull within one.
Finally, with just :07 left, Pritzl split and Western Kentucky came down and tied the game. So not just missing free throws, but missing them late when you wanted to ice things. For the season, Wisconsin is shooting 73.3 percent from the line.
Next: Kobe King Out for the Season
3. The Wisconsin depth could be a problem
Badgers played 10 guys but don’t let that number fool you. The starters logged most of the minutes.
- Ethan Happ (32 minutes)
- Aleem Ford (29 minutes)
- Khalil Iverson (33 minutes)
- Brad Davison (38 minutes)
- Brevin Pritzl (32 minutes)
That likely is going to be an untenable ratio moving forward. Foul trouble may complicate it. But really you are going to wear guys out especially freshman like Ford and Davison if Bucky isn’t careful. Hopefully Gard and staff can figure out a more balanced rotation.