MADISON, Wisconsin — The Wisconsin Badgers delivered a dazzling performance at the Kohl Center on Friday night, demolishing the Iowa Hawkeyes 116-85. This victory not only marked Wisconsin's first win in the Big Ten this season but also set the stage for one of the most remarkable shooting nights in college basketball history.
Wisconsin’s explosive offense was led by sophomore guard John Blackwell, who recorded career highs with 32 points and six three-pointers. His performance was pivotal as the Badgers shattered their program record, making 21 three-pointers during the matchup. This accomplishment truly showcased their incredible shooting efficiency, finishing the game with 40 of 61 from the field, amounting to 65.6% overall.
The Badgers kicked off the game energetically, building substantial momentum early on. Having come off a 12-day break, Wisconsin seemed sharper than ever, quickly recovering from previous disappointments. Their incredible shooting helped them surpass their previous best record from behind the arc, which was 18 threes made.
While Iowa had its moments, starting the game strong by making 10 of its first 13 attempts, the team struggled against Wisconsin's relentless scoring. At one point, they trailed by as much as 32 points. Despite Iowa's formidable start, the Hawkeyes finished with 32 field goals on 66 attempts, translating to 48.5%. This discrepancy highlighted not only Wisconsin's dominant shooting but also their ability to control the game’s tempo.
Other key performers for Wisconsin included Nolan Winter, who contributed 18 points and pulled down eight rebounds, and Steven Crowl, who added 14 points without missing any field goals throughout the game. Experienced players like John Tonje and Kamari McGee also provided solid support, adding 12 points each to the scoreboard.
Iowa's Drew Thelwell was notable for the Hawkeyes, scoring 25 points. He was supported by Josh Dix, who put up 16, and Owen Freeman, who added 14 points to the mix. Despite their commitment to offensive prowess, the Hawkeyes' defense suffered, particularly under Wisconsin’s strategic offensive runs, which carved gaps through their zone.
One of the most pivotal moments occurred during a significant run late in the first half, where Wisconsin expanded their lead substantially. Junior transfer Max Klesmit played an integral role during this stretch, contributing eight consecutive points during the 19-2 run, shifting the momentum entirely.
Coach Greg Gard's strategy appeared effective throughout the night. He emphasized open looks from beyond the arc, clearly reflected by the Badgers scoring the most points ever recorded at the Kohl Center, hitting on 67.7% shooting from deep. "We really focused on getting the ball to the right shooters, and tonight we executed our game plan perfectly," Gard remarked after the game.
On the other side, Iowa's head coach Fran McCaffery acknowledged the gravity of the loss. Despite the setback, he noted, "We need to analyze the tapes and improve on our defensive setups. Clearly, Wisconsin found their rhythm, and we didn’t react swiftly enough."
The game proved challenging for Iowa, yet McCaffery highlighted the opportunity for learning as they prepare for their next opponent, Nebraska. The Hawkeyes can't dwell too long on the loss, as they'll need to regroup quickly and refocus their defensive strategies before taking to the court again.
With both teams now boasting similar records of 10-4 overall and 1-2 within the Big Ten, Wisconsin headed home with renewed confidence, setting themselves up for more Big Ten challenges. The season is still young, and this victory could very well be the catalyst the Badgers needed to turn things around.
Wisconsin will have the weekend off before facing Rutgers next, hoping to carry momentum from this record-setting night. Meanwhile, Iowa returns home to host Nebraska on Tuesday, where they will look to shake off their disappointing defeat against the Badgers.