Wisconsin Basketball: Back on Track Despite Second Half Scare

Wisconsin basketball had not lost five games in a row since the 2017-18 season. Staring down the barrel of history, the Wisconsin Badgers closed the first half strong. UW led at halftime 34-21 and by as many as 17, but it was not easygoing in the second half. A hot scoring run by the Ohio State Buckeyes made it close in a Tuesday night Big Ten fight. The Badgers, however, would hold on to win 62-54.

Wisconsin Basketball Locks Down on Defense Late

Feb 13, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) scores against Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jamison Battle (10) during the first half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports

For a long stretch, Ohio State saw almost everything go through the hoop. At the under-eight media timeout, the Buckeyes had made 10 of their previous 12 shot attempts. That stretch was built from an even more impressive one when OSU made seven consecutive shots. Some of these shots were made due to poor defense by Wisconsin. Others, like a three-pointer made just to beat the shot clock, were thanks to some luck produced by the Buckeyes.

Impressively, Wisconsin locked down late. With UW’s starting five on the court the final 10:14, Ohio State struggled to complete a once-promising comeback. The Buckeyes brought the lead down to five points at one point. The Badgers, however, responded by forcing seven consecutive missed shots as Ohio State missed nine of ten attempts from the floor before the final minute.

Wisconsin Basketball’s Offense Was a Tale of Two Halves

Feb 13, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard AJ Storr (2) dribbles the ball against Ohio State Buckeyes guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (1) during the first half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports

At the end of the first half, it looked like it was AJ Storr and Steven Crowl’s night. Storr and Crowl both made a point to finish strong at the rim. 2023 All-Big East honoree Storr, notably, did not attempt a three-pointer in the first half. In Wisconsin’s previous three games, Storr was a combined 1-13 from beyond the arc. In the first half against Ohio State, however, he attempted zero shots from deep. The only attempt he took on the night was a wide-open look from the corner – which he air-balled.

In his post-game press conference, Wisconsin basketball head coach Greg Gard praised Storr’s performance. Gard specifically credited Storr for being “really disciplined in his approach” to shot selection. Gard has noted throughout the season the need for Storr to elect for more high-quality shots. Tonight, Gard commended the sophomore, saying that this game “shows growth and that he is listening.”

Storr had ten first-half points and went to the free-throw line three times. Crowl, who had struggled as of late, consistently backed down Ohio State starting center Felix Okpara. For his efforts, Crowl earned 12 points in the first half. Both Storr and Crowl, however, slowed down a bit in the second half, each notching four points.

The Second Half Changeup by the Wisconsin Badgers

The second half was led by impressive efforts from Chucky Hepburn and Tyler Wahl. Hepburn seemingly found the middle-ground between a scorer and facilitator he has been seeking all season long. The junior point guard recorded seven assists – several of which were on impressive feeds to the Badger bigs – with zero turnovers on the night. More impressively, Hepburn complemented his playmaking with nine points of his own, all coming in the second half.

Wahl recorded eight points in the second half. The senior recorded ten total on the night. Between timely cuts to the basket, reverses at the rim, and pump fakes, the Lakeville, Minnesota native was, to put it simply, in his bag in the second half.

Final Thoughts

Wisconsin basketball is back in the win column. Not thanks to anything flashy. But thanks to getting back to playing the brand of basketball Gard wants to play. In his postgame presser, Gard noted that getting the ball in the paint was not a suggestion, “it was demanded” of his team. Gard continued his comments about the importance of getting his big paint touches. “It wasn’t suggested the past couple of days. It was pretty directly communicated.” With a slight smirk on Gard’s face as he finished those remarks, I can only imagine exactly what that direct communication looked like.

If Wisconsin can play defense and offense how Gard desires, UW can go toe to toe with any team in the Big Ten. The Badgers proved as much in the first three months of the season. Now, they must replicate their most recent effort in the final six games of the regular season.

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