After a slow start that was reminiscent of the past few weeks, Wisconsin used the defensive, mistake-free identity that their previous success was built on to come away with a 68-51 win over Northwestern. The Badgers snapped their first two-game losing streak of the year in the process.
No. 21 Wisconsin (16-8, 10-7 Big Ten) withstood a long scoring drought through the middle of the first half and took control of the game near the end of the first 20 minutes. Micah Potter and D’Mitrik Trice were humming on all cylinders in the pick-and-roll, and freshman guard Jonathan Davis looked decisive and confident alongside them. The three Badgers combined for 32 of the 34 Badger points in the first half to build a 34-24 Wisconsin lead.
The defense of Brad Davison near the end of the first half and Tyler Wahl throughout the second half helped to hold Northwestern (6-14, 3-13) to just 51 points on 40% shooting. Wisconsin held it down at that end to never allow the Wildcats back in. Boo Buie had streaks of offense for Northwestern to finish with 19, but he was the only Wildcat in double figures.
Here are five takeaways from Wisconsin’s road win at Northwestern: