Overall: F
Wisconsin struggled to get into an offensive rhythm throughout the game. Richmond’s defense had a lot to do with Wisconsin never being comfortable on the offensive end as the Spiders defense was able to force Wisconsin into 15 turnovers.
Davison had a team-high four turnovers as Richmond was able to register seven steals against Wisconsin. With how poorly Wisconsin’s offense was playing the Badgers couldn’t turn the basketball over as it only continued to prevent them from stringing together successful offensive possessions. Richmond was able to turn Wisconsin’s mistakes into 17 points.
Despite all of Wisconsin’s shortcomings against Richmond the Badgers kept fighting and still had a chance at winning the game with 4:44 remaining after Davison tied the game at 50. But when you shoot so poorly throughout the game it is hard to expect all of a sudden to see your shot attempts to start falling.
Reuvers was the only player to have somewhat of an effective game on the offensive end as he finished the game 6-for-14 from the field. The rest of Wisconsin’s starters were a combined 6-for-28 from the field.
Aleem Ford scored three points but all of his points came from the free throw line as he went 0-for-5 from the field. D’Mitrik Trice and Brad Davison each scored five points as the two went a combined 4-for-16 from the field and a combined 2-for-10 from three.
Simply put that isn’t going to cut it. Wisconsin will have a variety of leading scorers throughout the season but in order for Wisconsin to have success, the Badgers need to receive more balanced scoring from its starters.
One of the bright spots from Wisconsin’s game was the play of Wahl. With Wisconsin having really no interior presence against Richmond Wahl found a driving lane in the first half and attacked as he was able to draw the foul. He split his free throw attempts and he also had the play of the game when he hit his three right before halftime. Wahl was able to register a steal against Nick Sherod and he was able to release his three with about a half-second left to allow Wisconsin to go into halftime down 31-29 opposed to being down by five if not by more.
Game MVP: Nate Reuvers
Reuvers for the second straight game and third time this season led Wisconsin in scoring with 17 points on 6-for-14 shooting from the field and 1-for-4 from three. If it wasn’t for the play by Reuvers down low the Badgers likely wouldn’t have been able to stay in the game as long as they did. Outside of Reuvers 17 points, he also tied for the team lead in rebounds with seven, registered one assist, two steals, and a block.