The Oregon Ducks were losing most of the game but found a rhythm in which they could rattle Wisconsin, get the Badgers off their normal game, and slowly climb back into the game. The Ducks eventually pushed things into overtime, where the gameplan continued to work, and stole the game from Wisconsin. It was ugly, brutal, and so much more for the Badgers.
Head coach Greg Gard, after the game, was also frustrated by how his team collapsed in the second half at home. In his post-game press conference, he had a lot to say about it.
Greg Gard opens up about his frustrations with the Badgers after the Oregon Ducks loss
"Credit goes to Oregon for making us very uncharacteristic specifically the last eight minutes. I thought for most of the second half we were not as nearly as aggressive as we have been even what were were in the first half. "Greg Gard
Oregon began to push Wisconsin into uncomfortable movements and sloppy play. This led to 17 turnovers that allowed the Ducks to score 24 points. They particularly attacked Steven Crowl, who had six turnovers on his own. However, while he did give Oregon credit, he said ultimately they beat themselves.
"You can't sit here and feel sorry for yourself. It doesn't sit well with everybody because you know, we beat ourselves for the most part. "Greg Gard
He said not only could he see that the team slowed down towards the end and played tentatively, but the stats bear it out with 17 turnovers and zero free throws to end the game. According to Zach Heilprin, Wisconsin didn't shoot a free throw in the final 27:34 of the game. Getting fouled is what aggressive teams are great at. They attack the hoop and create contact, but the Badgers refused to do it down the stretch.
"We can't get into being a tentative, non-aggressive team. We're really good when we're aggressive, and obviously, we stink when we're not. "Greg Gard
The Wisconsin Badgers will have a chance to bounce back on Tuesday when they host the Washington Huskies.