Overall: B
Wisconsin made their last three shots to begin the first half as two made three’s by Ford and a jumper by D’Mitrik Trice in the paint allowed for the Badgers to go into halftime with a 30-27 lead.
The Badgers were able to build off of the momentum they created at the end of the half to build their 13-point lead as the Badgers started the second half 7-for-11 from the field. It also helped that Reuvers (seven points) and Davison (six points) were responsible for scoring 13 of Wisconsin’s first 15 points of the second half.
Wisconsin was able to jump out to a double-digit lead in the second half thanks to shooting 5-for-7 from 3-point range. Overall Wisconsin went 12-for-31 on their 3-point tries.
Ford was in rhythm early and often from 3-point range as he made a career-high five of his three’s on eight attempts. Ford, for the most part, didn’t force any of his tries from three as he allowed for the offense to set up for him to generate some open looks.
Outside of Ford’s hot shooting from the perimeter Davison finished 3-for-5 on his 3-point attempts. Trice was the only other Badger to make at least two three’s as he went 2-for-7 as he finished the game with eight points.
Trice once again led the team in assists with five as this was the sixth game in a row which Trice led the team in assists. In each of the last six games by Trice has registered at least five assists. Trice did lead the team in turnovers with three as the Badgers finished the game with nine, which Purdue turned into 14 points.
Game MVP: Aleem Ford
Ford had a career night as he set new highs in points finishing the game with 19 and made 3-point point field goals at five. It only took Ford one half to reach double figures as he scored 14 of Wisconsin’s 30 first half points and for the third straight game he led the team in rebounds with seven. Ford’s success from three helped open up success for him around the rim too as he was able to convert on a couple of opportunities in the paint. Ford also registered an assist on a made three by Trice.