The Wisconsin Badgers looked fantastic again in their game against Rutgers. They took big leads and weathered storms as Rutgers tried to climb back in it. Badgers basically led the entire game, and they did it on the backs of players who don't always get the spotlight. Wisconsin fans were excited about the play of a very specific player in this one, and no, it's not John Blackwell (though he was great, too). It was star 7'0" center Steven Crowl.
A big showing tonight from Big Steve pic.twitter.com/8pYWk4fzEX
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) January 7, 2025
Badgers fans were all talking about the play of Steven Crowl during the Rutgers win.
Crowl stepped up in a huge way, scoring 18 points and adding 10 rebounds to that total, making it his first double-double of the season. He also had three assists to go along with his double-double. This one below may have been the highlight of Crowl's big night.
“What does Steven Crowl even do well” pic.twitter.com/A54AXtqH3W
— The Red Shed (@TheRealRedShed) January 7, 2025
Crowl had a forgettable start to the season. In the first 11 games of the season, he only scored more than 10+ one time. That was against Appalachian, where he scored 17 points. He only had one game with more than 10+ rebounds, which came in the loss to Marquette, where he brought down 11. Since the Illinois game, Crowl has gone off. He's scored 18, 15, 14, 18 in the last four games. Gard pulled a new level out of him.
Remember when #Badgers coach Greg Gard challenged Steven Crowl after Crowl had zero boards (and nine points) in loss to ILL? In four games since: Crowl is at 16.3 ppg and 6.8 rpg and is shooting 44.4% from three (4 of 9) and 74.3% overall (26 of 35).
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) January 7, 2025
Badgers have won 4 straight and it has coincided with the re-awakening of Steven Crowl who has scored 18, 15, 14 and 18 during this stretch. Had 10 rebounds vs Rutgers for his 1st double-double of the season. Body language reflects notion that the joy has come back to his game.
— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) January 7, 2025
Steven Crowl is averaging 16.3 points on Wisconsin's four-game win streak.
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) January 7, 2025
He shot 8-for-11 against Rutgers, his best shooting performance (min. 10 FGA) since his career-high 36 points game (12-for-16) against Bradley.#Badgers
Badger fans took notice of Crowl's electric play, his grittiness in the paint, and his ability to score, pass, and rebound all night. He was especially vital when Nolan Winter went down with injury in the game.
Loved the way Crowl played tonight, specifically on the glass. He grabbed some tough 50/50 rebounds at some key moments. The 18 points was great, but they don't need 18 from Big Steve for him to be a vital asset to winning.
— Badgermaniac (@THEbadgermaniac) January 7, 2025
Crowl was the talk of the town, and if he continues to play at this high level, Wisconsin will find a ton of success in the Big 10. If there is even any complaint from his play, it's that Badger fans would love to see a bit more rim protecting and getting a few blocks on the stat sheet, but beggars can't be choosers. He's been great for the last four games, and hopefully, that hot streak will continue.