The Wisconsin Badgers delivered a commanding performance against the Washington Huskies, securing a 90-73 victory that was much needed after their recent stumble against the Oregon Ducks. This win not only boosts their morale but also adds a valuable Quad 1 victory to their resume, as Washington ranks as a top-75 team in KenPom. With this victory, the Badgers improved to a 20-9 record, keeping their aspirations for a top-4 seed in the Big Ten alive.
Let’s dive into three key takeaways from the Badgers' impressive showing.
Fast Start
The Badgers knew they needed to hit the ground running after a sluggish outing against Oregon, and they did just that. Jumping to a quick 9-3 lead with Nick Boyd leading the charge, Wisconsin set the tone early.
Boyd's trio of layups, including two fastbreak finishes, helped spark a 17-4 run. Unlike their previous game, Wisconsin maintained their momentum, heading into halftime with a solid 29-14 lead.
On the road, the Badgers focused on their core strengths-attacking the rim, setting up open threes, and tightening up on defense. They executed this game plan effectively from the start, showing a glimpse of what they're capable of when firing on all cylinders.
Three-Point Fire
Wisconsin’s recent road struggles from beyond the arc seemed like a distant memory as they found their rhythm on Saturday. In the first half, they drained six threes, shooting 31.2% from deep, with Braeden Carrington leading the charge.
The second half saw Wisconsin maintain their sharp shooting, sinking an impressive 11 threes on 19 attempts. Carrington was the star, hitting six threes in the half alone, while teammates John Blackwell, Aleksas Bieliauskas, Andrew Rohde, Austin Rapp, and Nolan Winter each contributed with a triple.
When Wisconsin’s big men are connecting from deep, they’re tough to beat. Winter, Bieliauskas, and Rapp combined for 6 of 11 from three-point land, providing a significant offensive boost.
Carrington and Rapp’s contributions off the bench kept the team’s momentum steady throughout the game. Overall, Wisconsin finished with 17 threes, shooting a remarkable 44.7%.
Carrington Catches Fire
Braeden Carrington’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. The sixth man erupted for a career-high 32 points, hitting nine threes in the process. Carrington has shown this kind of explosive potential before, and head coach Greg Gard has been adept at getting him into an early rhythm.
While not every game sees Carrington lighting up the scoreboard-like their matchups against Iowa or Indiana-his ability to provide a spark off the bench has been invaluable. Shooting over 40% from three this season, Carrington continues to be a key asset for the Badgers.
In summary, Wisconsin’s victory over Washington showcased their ability to bounce back with authority. With a fast start, lethal three-point shooting, and Carrington’s standout performance, the Badgers are proving they’re a force to be reckoned with as they push towards their Big Ten goals.