Game Recap

The start of the first half was rough for Wisconsin, as the team struggled shooting the ball early on and was down for a majority of the first 20 minutes. However, it was back-to-back threes from Bronson Koenig and an 8-0 to end the half that put the Badgers up five going into the locker room.

Despite ending the first half on a sour note, Michigan still came out fighting in the second and kept pace with UW throughout. However, with just under four minutes left and Wisconsin up just two, a three from Sam Dekker ignited the Badgers and the team went on a 13-4 run to end the game. The run resulted in a 71-60 Wisconsin victory and they advance to the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament.

Wisconsin Player of the Game

Sam Dekker: 17 points (7-12 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, six assists, three steals in 35 minutes

Dekker was all over the place in Wisconsin’s winning effort, leading the team in both scoring and assists. When Frank Kaminsky was sent to the bench earlier than usual, it was Dekker who kept Wisconsin active, scoring eight straight points for the team at one point in the first half. It appeared Dekker had played with a more aggressive and fiery passion than usual, which is exactly what the Badgers will need him to continue doing as they make their run back to the Final Four. The six rebounds and three steals were both career-highs for Dekker and he has now scored in double figures in 19 of the last 22 games.

Michigan Player of the Game

Zak Irvin: 21 points (9-18 FG, 3-7 3Pt) and 11 rebounds

Irvin was Michigan’s main offensive threat for the entire game. He was finding plenty of good looks off the team’s pick-and-roll offense and the Badgers were struggling to stop him. Fortunately enough for Wisconsin, it was able to limit him when they needed to most, as Irvin scored just two points in the final six minutes of the game. Also, despite grabbing 11 rebounds, Irvin wasn’t able to record one offensive board. This was Irvin’s fifth game this season scoring 20-plus points and he has three of Michigan’s four double-doubles on the year.

Turning Point

The turning point in Friday’s game was following a Wisconsin timeout with 12:25 remaining in the second half. Michigan had just gone on an 8-0 run to take a 44-41 lead and the Badgers were struggling on both ends of the floor. Duje Dukan checked in at that time, and on UW’s first possession following the timeout, he sunk a three to tie the game. Just over a minute later, Dukan hit another. Both threes were part of an 8-2 run that put Wisconsin up for good.

When You Knew It Was Over

We really knew the game was over with 1:10 remaining on the clock, when Kaminsky shot a heavily contested jumper in the paint and it fell short. Nigel Hayes, who had been under the rim, grabbed the ball and put it up and in to put the Badgers up seven. At that point for Michigan, a stop and a bucket would have made it a one possession game, but Hayes’ put-back prevented that from happening. Wisconsin made their free throws and had no problem closing out the game from there.

Key Stats

– Kaminsky finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds, giving the National Player of the Year candidate his Big-Ten leading 11th double-double of the season.

– Wisconsin shot 14-of-16 from the free throw line, while Michigan attempted their first free throws of the game with just 21 seconds remaining in the second half. They missed both.

– Wisconsin was dominant on the boards, outrebounding Michigan 34-19 and scoring 17 second-chance points to Michigan’s seven.

– Dekker’s four offensive rebounds matched Michigan’s team total.

– Both teams did a very good job taking care of the ball. Wisconsin finished with seven turnovers while Michigan finished with just five.

– After shooting a poor 3-of-11 from behind the arc in the first half, Wisconsin shot 4-of-8 from three in the second half.

Game Notes

– Wisconsin committed just three personal fouls on the game, a season low for the Badgers. This is also the second time this season the Badgers haven’t allowed a point from the free throw line.

– Wisconsin has won 15 of the last 17 meetings with Michigan overall

– Of Wisconsin’s 29 wins this season, 24 have come by double digits

– The Badgers trailed at the first media timeout for the first time since playing Nebraska on Jan. 15 and this is just the sixth time Wisconsin has trailed in the second half all season

– Wisconsin’s 29-3 record is the best start to a season in school history

Quotable

Dekker on earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament:

“Well, if we come out of here Sunday with a trophy I think it’s hard to not have us as a one. But it’s whatever. One, two, we’re going to be in the NCAA tournament and playing some teams so I’m not too worried about it. I think we’ll be ready regardless of our seed, regardless of where we’re going to play; just looking forward to getting it and hopefully making another run.”

Dukan on how big his performance today was for him:

“It’s huge. I just wanted to come in, especially this being March, this is kind of where players are made and where teams are made and we’re trying to make a good run here and make our names be known. I just try to come into the game and contribute in any way possible.”

Kaminsky and Dukan on returning to Chicago:

“It’s awesome being able to come home and play in front of so many friends and family. Duje and I are from this area and we have ties to this arena. It’s always awesome when you have a chance to play someplace like this.” – Kaminsky

“Growing up as a kid, I came to games, I worked here as a ball boy, shot around before games. It’s always been a dream of mine to play in an arena like especially this one, so to be able to come here and have a good performance, it’s definitely very, very encouraging.” – Dukan

Bo Ryan on what he takes away from the victory:

“We get to play another 40 minutes down here in Chicago in a great venue… I brought a James Patterson novel hoping to stay here a few days.”