Wisconsin's Kamari McGee called out Iowa in best way possible after dominant Badgers win

On Friday, the Wisconsin Badgers broke school records in a 116-85 blistering of the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Badgers’ 116 points was the most ever at the Kohl Center and the most against a Big Ten opponent. In addition, the Badgers connected on 21 three-point field goals, breaking the previous record of 18 three-pointers against Nebraska on February 15, 2020.

After the game, Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery complemented the Badgers on their floor spacing and the play of John Blackwell, who scored a game-high 32 points in the rout. 

However, there was one quote from backup guard Kamari McGee on the Hawkeyes’ defensive effort throughout the game that will raise an eyebrow or two. 

It’s understandable to question the defensive intensity of the Hawkeyes after they allowed the Badgers to shoot 64.5% on 40-of-62 shots from the field. Even media members who follow Iowa had some thoughts about the defense and overall game yesterday. 

While Iowa came into Madison as one of the top offenses in both the Big Ten and the country, their defense was a question mark. Going into Friday's game, Iowa was ranked 95th in Ken Pomeroy's adjusted defensive efficiency (DRtg), which has since fallen to 131st in all of college basketball. In the previous two seasons, the Hawkeyes were 157th in DRtg last year and 168th in 2023. So what McGee said in the press conference holds some weight.

That said, McGee's comments about how Iowa "didn't really care that much about the defensive end" might serve as locker-room material for when the two teams face off again on February 8 in Iowa City. Wisconsin is unlikely to shoot as well as they did on Friday, but if Iowa chooses not to fully engage in their defensive effort, it will be another Badger win over the Hawkeyes next month.