Wisconsin Basketball Paints Defensive Masterpiece in 65-41 Win Over Virginia

Greg Gard and the Wisconsin basketball program painted a defensive masterpiece in their 65-41 win over Tony Bennett and the No. 24 Virginia Cavaliers in the semifinal at the Fort Myers Tip-Off. 

After a rocky start defensively in the early slate of games, Wisconsin found their rhythm against Robert Morris, a game that hinted at the team’s defensive potential. However, it was against Virginia that they truly imposed their will and looked like a team that could stifle any opponent if they’re locked in.  

Holding the Cavaliers to a mere 18 points in the first half on 23.8% shooting — and 32.6% overall was an outstanding display against a previously unbeaten team, reflecting a potentially newfound defensive identity for the Badgers. 

Wisconsin Basketball Turning a Corner on Defensive End

While Wisconsin basketball struggled at times offensively, the Badgers shot 40.3% from the field, connected on 8-of-18 attempts from beyond the arc, and had only seven turnovers. 

Not to mention, UW assisted on 15-of-25 made field goals, and completely dominated the glass — winning the rebounding battle 48-21. Virginia managed just .692 points per possession in the first half and .885 in the second — which assuredly made Bo Ryan smile. 

Greg Gard found a way to build on the defensive identity the Badgers found late against Robert Morris and deployed that rotation once again. 

I know there are plenty of people wanting Connor Essegian to receive more playing time coming off his back injury — but the bench pairing of John Blackwell and Kamari McGee in the backcourt has helped provide the Wisconsin basketball team with a considerable boost — and as the adage goes, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. 

Wisconsin was focused, prepared, played with energy, and always followed the defensive game plan. 

The 41 points conceded against Virginia is the Wisconsin basketball program’s lowest since November 2021 and marks the fewest points the Badgers have ever given up to a team ranked in the AP Top 25.

Other Wisconsin Badgers Ramblings 

John Blackwell is an absolute dude for the Badgers. He finished with 10 points (2-3 3FG) and four rebounds. The 6-foot-4 guard has now scored in double figures in three straight games and four out of five this season.

It’s hardly a hot take to say Blackwell is one of the team’s best players. 

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Shots weren’t falling for Chucky Hepburn last night — but he still found ways to impact the game. The Nebraska native dished out a season-high six assists and had zero turnovers. 

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Carter Gilmore’s value to the Wisconsin basketball team is even more pronounced now that he has Nolan Winter to help offset his skill set. 

For 13 minutes, Gilmore busted his ass and scored four points while hauling in four rebounds. His defensive presence made a big difference — and Gilly’s putback dunk ignited the Badgers in the second half. 

“Post the Carter Gilmore putback!”

Coming right up… 😱🤯 pic.twitter.com/k9YIiQ7lrB

— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) November 21, 2023

Gilmore can make an impact if he’s your eighth or ninth man in the rotation. 

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Steven Crowl played aggressively from the jump last night, confirming what I already know: a consistently physical and confident Big Steve makes a world of difference. 

The 7-footer finished with a team-high 15 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists — marking the fifth double-double of his career. 

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AJ Storr didn’t have a significant impact in this one — but it’s worth mentioning that he let the game come to him — and didn’t force up any unwarranted shots. 

He’s still finding his fit within the Wisconsin basketball program’s offensive system — and the ceiling is crazy high — but this was a welcomed sign of growth. 

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