Wisconsin basketball improved to 10-3 on the 2024-25 season with a 76-53 win over Detroit Mercy on Sunday.
The Badgers are now off through the remainder of 2024. They return to the court on Jan. 3, 2025, for a home matchup against Iowa. When that date comes, one key statistic should continue to define the team’s success.
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That statistic: free-throw shooting.
The Badgers’ high rate and efficiency from the free throw line partially led to their 10-3 start, a start that is highlighted by big wins over Arizona and Pittsburgh.
Wisconsin currently averages 22.7 free throw attempts and 19.3 makes per game. That is good for a percentage of 85.1% — the best rate in the country.
The Badgers are closely followed by UC Irvine (83.2%), UTSA (82.4%) and UW-Green Bay (81.9%).
That efficiency has driven the Badgers’ best performances. They made 41 of 47 free throws (87.2%) in a 103-88 win over then-No. 9 Arizona, then 25 of 27 (92.6%) in a 83-74 win over Butler. They are a full 4.5 percentage points clear of the second-best free-throw-shooting team in the Big Ten (Michigan State, 80.5%) and a full 8.8 points ahead of the third-best (USC, 76.3%).
Wisconsin’s leaders at the line are wing John Tonje (94-of-100, 94%), guard John Blackwell (41-of-51, 80%), guard Max Klesmit (39-of-45, 86.7%) and forward Nolan Winter (24-of-29, 82.8%). As seen, Tonje’s rate and unmatched conversion is the biggest driving force behind the area being a significant strength.
The Badgers have gaps to fill once Big Ten play heats up, highlighted by rebounding and interior production. Out-shooting an opponent from the free throw line can mitigate any disadvantages. In Wisconsin’s case, it’s a big reason the team already has 10 wins to start the season.
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