Wisconsin’s basketball team recently experienced its most impressive week of the season. Despite a close 93-87 defeat to Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament finale, the Badgers have positioned themselves strongly for the NCAA Tournament.
The week was marked by a series of notable victories. They started with a decisive win against Maryland, followed by a solid victory over Northwestern, even without their point guard Chucky Hepburn. The highlight was an exhilarating win against the top-seeded Purdue, led by Zach Edey, culminating in a narrow loss to Illinois on Sunday.
Before this week, Greg Gard’s squad had been struggling, losing eight of their previous 11 matches. However, they turned their fortunes around with these performances, gaining significant momentum as they head into March Madness.
The final game against Illinois didn’t dampen their spirits. Wisconsin matched up well against the formidable Fighting Illini team, staying competitive throughout the game. Despite Terrance Shannon and Marcus Domask scoring 34 and 26 points respectively for Illinois, Wisconsin remained in contention until the final minutes.
Though they didn’t win the tournament, Wisconsin’s performance, especially in the final, has many positive aspects as they move forward to the NCAA Tournament. Here are some key takeaways from their performance against Illinois:
Shannon and Domask were in top form for Illinois, but Wisconsin’s A.J. Storr and Chucky Hepburn were equally unstoppable. The game was intensely competitive, with no team leading by more than 10 points at any time. It was a back-and-forth battle filled with the kind of thrilling moments that define great March college basketball games. The Big Ten finale was nothing short of spectacular.
Illinois, known for its high-ranking offense and fast-paced game, found its rhythm against Wisconsin. Although the Badgers are quicker than in previous years, they couldn’t match Illinois’s speed. The game leaned towards a faster pace, benefiting Illinois, whose athletes thrived in open spaces, shooting an impressive 70% in the second half.
Credit is due to Illinois for their exceptional performance, peaking at just the right moment. With a deep offensive lineup and star players like Shannon Jr. and Domask, Illinois is poised for a deep run in the tournament, potentially reaching the Elite Eight or Final Four.
Chucky Hepburn’s performance was noteworthy, scoring 20 points, along with five rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Despite not being fully fit, he has become a crucial offensive player for Wisconsin, forming a formidable backcourt duo with A.J. Storr.
Wisconsin has demonstrated they are ready for the NCAA Tournament. With a balanced team effort, including dynamic play from Hepburn and Storr, good shooting from Max Klesmit, and solid inside play from Steven Crowl, the Badgers have shown they have what it takes for a successful run in March Madness.
A.J. Storr was a standout, scoring 24 points with five rebounds and three steals. While there were some questionable shot choices, Storr’s offensive power is undeniable. His athleticism brings a new dimension to the team, making Wisconsin a formidable opponent.
Carter Gilmore had an impressive performance, stepping up when needed and contributing significantly in the absence of Tyler Wahl. His recent performances have answered many questions about the team’s depth.
Coach Greg Gard navigated the team through challenges, especially with early foul troubles. His strategies, particularly in getting the ball to Steven Crowl at the start of the second half, were effective, though Illinois’s offense proved too strong in the end. Gard’s coaching was instrumental in Wisconsin’s strong showing in Minneapolis.