Tag: badger basketball

RECAP: John Blackwell erupts for 30 points, Badgers squeeze by UT Rio Grande Valley

RECAP: John Blackwell erupts for 30 points, Badgers squeeze by UT Rio Grande Valley

Wisconsin basketball squeezed by UT Rio Grande Valley 87-84 to pick up its fifth victory of the 2024-25 season on Monday.

Sophomore guard John Blackwell was the story of the night. The Michigan native exploded for a career-best 30 points on 11-of-18 shooting and 6-of-8 from the free throw line. 20 of those points arrived in the second half of UW’s tight win, including 14 during the team’s game-altering 14-5 scoring surge midway through the final frame.

For the fifth consecutive game, Wisconsin was able to outlast its opponent from the free-throw line and three-point land. The Badgers cashed in on 27 of 32 attempts from the charity stripe and eight of 20 looks from outside. In a game that came down to the wire, UW’s aggressiveness, ability to draw fouls and capacity to capitalize on those opportunities proved to be the difference.

Tonje, UW’s superstar scorer at this juncture, dropped 19 points off a 3-of-5 clip from deep and a perfect 10-for-10 mark from the free throw line. Max Klesmit accounted for 11 points, and transfer forward Xavier Amos registered nine points of the bench in 13 minutes of action.

After trailing by as many as seven early in the second half, Greg Gard leaned on his perimeter players to secure the win. Centers Steven Crowl and Nolan Winter saw 33 combined minutes in the effort.

In fact, 36 of Wisconsin’s 39 second half points came from Tonje, Blackwell, and Klesmit. In games that call for more offensive dexterity, UW has discovered a trio that can work together to create from both the outside and at the free throw line.

Wisconsin improves to 5-0 on the young season with the home triumph. UT Rio Grande Valley, meanwhile, drops to 3-3. Wisconsin will play its next game on Nov. 22 against UCF in the Greenbier Tip-Off.

John Tonje named Big Ten Player of the Week after 41-point outburst vs. Arizona

John Tonje named Big Ten Player of the Week after 41-point outburst vs. Arizona

After dropping 41 points in UW’s signature win over Arizona on Friday, Badger wing John Tonje earned Big Ten Player of the Week nods on Monday.

Tonje is the first Badger to receive the honor since Johnny Davis in 2022. In the win, the graduate student also became the fourth player in UW history to score at least 40 points.

In addition to his overall point total, the hyper-athletic wing notched a single-game program record from the free throw line with 21 makes and snared a team-high six rebounds.

On top of all that, Tonje’s offensive explosion propelled Wisconsin to No. 19 in the Associated Press’ latest top 25 poll.

Through four games of the 2024-25 season, Tonje has transformed into the clear-cut No. 1 option on a team many assumed would struggle on the offense end of the floor.

The top offseason acquisition is currently averaging 23.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, shooting nearly 95% from the free throw line, over 47% from deep and roughly 56% from the field.

Tonje and the Badgers are back in action against UT Rio Grande Valley at 7:00 p.m. CT on Nov. 18.

How Wisconsin transfer guard has fared through Nebraska’s first three games

How former Wisconsin guard has fared through Nebraska’s first three games

Former Wisconsin Badgers guard Connor Essegian started his first career game with the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Wednesday night.

In more than 16 minutes of action, Essegian logged eight points in an 86-60 victory over the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights. The former Badger nailed two of his seven 3-point field goal attempts and notched two rebounds.

Related: Biggest takeaways from Wisconsin basketball’s big win over Arizona

Through three games of the 2024-25 season, Essegian is averaging 9.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game off nearly 36% shooting from beyond the arc. In his debut for the Cornhuskers, Essegian logged 13 points and four rebounds with three made looks from outside.

At 3-0, Nebraska is tied with Penn State, Iowa, Illinois, Purdue, Wisconsin, Oregon, USC and Maryland atop the Big Ten.

Essegian transferred to Nebraska in April after two years in Madison. In 2023-24, he averaged 7.3 minutes and 3.2 points per game after falling in Greg Gard’s rotation.

His ceiling, however, is much higher. Essegian averaged 27.4 minutes and 11.7 points per game on 40% shooting and 36% from 3 during his freshman year in 2022-23.

Nebraska’s next game is Sunday against St. Mary’s (California).

Wisconsin basketball ‘receiving votes’ in first AP Poll update

Wisconsin basketball ‘receiving votes’ in first AP Poll update

Wisconsin basketball received six votes in the latest AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll on Monday.

Despite amassing a 3-0 start to the 2024-25 season, Wisconsin didn’t experience much of a shift from its position in the AP Top 25 poll from Oct. 14. In that iteration of the hierarchy, Greg Gard’s program pocketed five votes ahead of the season.

Since then, Wisconsin has vanquished all of its early-season opponents by an average of 22.3 points per triumph. In his first season as a Badger, transfer wing John Tonje has spearheaded the offensive attack with 17.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

Senior guard Max Klesmit has followed with 16 points per game, and John Blackwell, Steven Crowl and Nolan Winter have chipped in with at least 10 points per contest as well.

As a team, Wisconsin is shooting a blistering 92.5% from the charity stripe and 37% from beyond the arc. Even though their adversaries aren’t anywhere near the AP’s top 25, Wisconsin has done exactly what its needed to do thus far.

In UW’s most recent win over Appalachian State, the Badgers orchestrated a 23-0 scoring spurt and saw five players score at least 10 points in the effort.

Wisconsin was also rated No. 40 in the latest KenPom ranking and No. 29 in ESPN’s latest BPI. The three wins have elevated them at least nine spots in both lists.

The Badgers return to the hardwood for a marquee matchup against No. 9 Arizona on Friday. A win against the touted Wildcats could catapult UW into the top 25 bubble.

Wisconsin absent from latest USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll

Wisconsin absent from latest USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll

After rattling off three straight wins to start to 2024-25 season, the Wisconsin Badgers did not appear in the latest USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll.

The Badgers failed to garner any consideration in the first in-season update after first landing in the ‘receiving votes’ section of the preseason edition.

Wisconsin has started the season 3-0 with triumphs over Holy Cross, Montana State and Appalachian State — those coming by 67 combined points. While the Badgers’ record is flawless, the wins have not come against any notable competition.

The Badgers get their first chance at a statement win on Nov. 15 when Arizona visits the Kohl Center.

Kansas remains the No. 1 team in updated poll after a strong opening week. The Jayhawks are followed by No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 UConn, No. 4 Auburn and No. 5 Gonzaga. A total of five Big Ten squads cracked Nov. 11’s installation of the top-25 list.

Here’s a look at the full USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll following Nov. 10’s games:

Ranking Team Record Points
1 Kansas 2-0 759 (21)
2 Alabama 2-0 724 (4)
3 UConn 2-0 702 (3)
4 Auburn 2-0 660 (2)
5 Gonzaga 2-0 651 (1)
6 Duke 2-0 608
7 Iowa State 1-0 576
8 Arizona 2-0 516
9 Tennessee 2-0 502
10 Houston 1-1 488
11 North Carolina 1-1 456
12 Purdue 2-0 437
13 Creighton 2-0 385
14 Baylor 1-1 328
15 Marquette 2-0 308
16 Indiana 2-0 234
17 Cincinnati 2-0 230
18 Kentucky 2-0 182
19 Florida 2-0 179
20 Illinois 2-0 151
21 Arkansas 1-1 150
22 Ohio State 1-0 148
23 Texas A&M 1-1 99
24 Rutgers 1-0 84
25 St. John’s 2-0 79

Schools Dropped Out

No. 19 Texas; No. 22 UCLA; No. 25 Ole Miss;

Others Receiving Votes

Texas Tech 75; Ole Miss 60; Texas 54; Xavier 38; Oregon 37; Michigan State 29; BYU 29; UCLA 18; UCF 17; Wake Forest 12; Saint Mary’s 12; Kansas State 9; Clemson 9; New Mexico 8; Dayton 8; North Florida 7; Maryland 5; Providence 4; Mississippi State 4; Nevada 2; San Francisco 1; Grand Canyon 1;

The Badgers will face the No. 9 Arizona Wildcats at the Kohl Center on Nov. 15. A win against one of college basketball’s powers would undoubtedly elevate UW into the top 25 before the team travels to the East Coast to compete in the Greenbrier Tip-Off.

Wisconsin’s game vs. Arizona is slated for 8:00 p.m. CT and will be aired on Peacock.

Wisconsin transfer forward reaches double figures in Badgers win vs. Appalachian State

Wisconsin transfer forward reaches double figures in win vs Appalachian State

Wisconsin basketball transfer forward Xavier Amos impressed with 10 points in the Badgers’ 87-56 win over Appalachian State on Sunday.

Head coach Greg Gard elected to substitute Amos into the game with 14:08 remaining and the Badgers up by nearly 20 points.

In 12 minutes of play, Amos nailed a pair of three-point jumpers and four free throw attempts. He also snagged six rebounds and a steal in his abbreviated action off the bench.

Amos had appeared in each of Wisconsin’s previous games this season, but today’s contribution was the most impressive of the 2024-25 slate. The Chicago, Illinois, native scored his first basket as a Badger in the season opener against Holy Cross, but he failed to scratch the score sheet in Wisconsin’s second game of the 2024-25 campaign vs. Montana State.

Before he transferred to Wisconsin this spring, Amos enjoyed a breakout season at Northern Illinois in 2023-24. As a sophomore, he started all 25 games and averaged nearly 14 points and six rebounds per game.

As a forward, Amos also shot 49.6 percent from the floor, including 38.5 percent from 3-point range (40-for-104 3FG) a season ago. It’s safe to say he showcased that type of efficiency on Sunday.

Amos’ minutes will be something to monitor as the season progresses. Given his versatility, he could see extended play when UW faces a smaller team and opts to utilize centers Steven Crowl and Nolan Winter in a more limited capacity.

UW is back in action on Nov. 15 against No. 10 Arizona at the Kohl Center.

Badgers coach Greg Gard discusses 31-point win vs. Appalachian State

Badgers coach Greg Gard discusses 31-point win vs. Appalachian State

Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard praised the Badgers’ versatility following their 87-56 win over Appalachian State on Sunday.

In the rout, Wisconsin shot over 47% from the field and 81% from the charity stripe. The Badgers also recorded 14 steals and forced 18 total Mountaineers turnovers in the winning effort.

“This is a group that, because of its depth and versatility, can have a type of impact defensively,” Gard said after the game. “If we can continue to grow our identity, offensively we can be pretty potent.”

Potent might be an understatement. John Tonje, Steven Crowl and Max Klesmit each notched at least 15 points in the blowout. As a team, Wisconsin scored 48 points in the paint.

After trailing by eight early in the first half, UW mustered a 23-0 spurt to pull ahead by 16 at the half. Despite winning comfortably vs. Holy Cross and Montana State, Wisconsin looked much more consistent and dominant on Sunday.

Gard also addressed that concept after the win:

“I’m proud of our guys for how we’ve gotten better,” Gard said after the game. “On the defensive end, we’ve finally started to click and put some possessions together. The stretch in the first half with 15 straight possessions with stops, I think it’s just guys gaining confidence it. I think we’ve become more physical and more aggressive.

Wisconsin will be back on the hardwood on Nov. 15 vs. No. 10 Arizona at the Kohl Center.

Former Wisconsin basketball star among shortest odds for 2024 Wooden Award

Former Wisconsin basketball star in running for 2024 Wooden Award

Former Wisconsin basketball star AJ Storr is among the favorites to win the Wooden Award entering the 2024-25 college basketball season. BetMGM places Storr’s odds at +2000, tied for the eighth-highest in the sport. [gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ] The Wooden Award is annually awarded to the most outstanding college basketball player in men’s and women’s hoops. Previous winners include Zach Edey, Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis. BetMGM lists only Alabama’s Mark Sears, North Carolina’s RJ Davis, Kansas’ Hunter Dickinson, Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner, Arizona’s Caleb Love, Auburn’s Johni Broome and Marquette’s Kam Jones ahead of the former Badger. Storr, a 2024 Second Team All-Big Ten team member, elected to transfer from UW to Kansas this spring after one season in Madison. Storr averaged 16.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.6 steals in 28.8 minutes per appearance in 2023-24, serving as Wisconin’s go-to option on the offensive side of the floor. During the 2024 Big Ten Tournament, he averaged 22.5 points per game and dropped a season-high 30 points against Northwestern. In one game with the Jayhawks this season, the Rockford, Illinois, native scored five points, grabbed two rebounds and dished out a pair of assists against Howard. Storr and the No. 1-ranked Jayhawks battle No. 9 North Carolina on Friday, Nov. 8. [gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ] Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

RECAP: Wisconsin surges past Montana State in second game of 2024-25 season

RECAP: Wisconsin surges past Montana State in second game of 2024-25 season

This story was updated to add new information.

The Wisconsin Badgers secured a 79-67 win in their second game of the 2024-25 season over Montana State at the Kohl Center on Nov. 7.

After scoring just seven points in the season opener, senior guard Max Klesmit tied his career-high with 26 points off six made three-point field goals. Transfer guard John Tonje continued his strong start to his Badger career with 13 points, four rebounds and four assists, and sophomore guard John Blackwell notched 13 points, six rebounds and two steals in the win.

As he did in UW’s season opener and preseason exhibition, head coach Greg Gard went with Blackwell, Klesmit, Tonje, sophomore center Nolan Winter and senior center Steven Crowl in the starting unit.

Similar to what the Badgers did against Holy Cross, UW went back-and-forth for nearly the entire first half against the Bobcats. The two teams combined for six ties and 10 lead changes during the opening frame before Wisconsin went into intermission with a 39-33 edge.

At the half, Tonje netted eight free throws for 11 points, and Klesmit nailed three 3FG for 11 points himself.

Montana State opened the second half with a quick 3FG, but Wisconsin responded with a 10-2 run courtesy of a pair of Klesmit three-pointers and a Nolan Winter dunk to establish an 11-point lead with 17:03 to spare on the game clock.

Following an extended scoring drought, Klesmit and Blackwell continued to apply offensive pressure to push the Badgers ahead by 17 with just under 10 minutes to play. Montana State would eventually cut it to 10, but UW’s lead proved too vast to overcome.

As a team, Wisconsin shot over 45% from the field, 50% from outside and a perfect 20-21 from the charity stripe. On the season, UW is 36-37 from the charity stripe.

Wisconsin also out-rebounded Montana State 32-27 and scored 10 more points in the paint, but the story of the game revolved around the Badgers’ efficiency from the outside and ability to create from the foul line.

Tonje , who shot 8-8 at the foul line against Holy Cross, shot 8-9 from the charity stripe against the Bobcats. Tonje can score from all three levels on the hardwood and creates an instant matchup problem for any guard with his size and strength.

UW was also able to lean on its overall perimeter play as opposed to Winter and Crowl down low. Klesmit, Tonje and Blackwell combined for 52 of Wisconsin’s 79 points and canned 10 3FG as a trio.

UW will be back in action on Sunday, Nov. 10, against Appalachian State at the Kohl Center.

Wisconsin forward flashes offensive potential in Badgers win over Holy Cross

Wisconsin forward flashes offensive potential in Badgers win over Holy Cross

Wisconsin sophomore forward Nolan Winter flashed his offensive brilliance in the Badgers’ 85-61 win over Holy Cross on Monday.

In just over 20 minutes, the second-year Badger registered a career-high 15 points and snared eight rebounds in the 24-point victory at the Kohl Center. Winter shot a perfect 6-6 from the field, including 2-2 from beyond the arc, and dished out a pair of assists as well.

All 15 of Winter’s points arrived in the second half of Monday’s season opener. After transfer John Tonje and sophomore John Blackwell revitalized Wisconsin’s offense to open the second half, Winter attacked for the final six minutes of the game.

The Lakeville, Minnesota native’s improvement from a season ago is obvious. Without veteran forward Tyler Wahl in the mix or volume scorer A.J. Storr taking shots, Winter’s opportunities to create will only increase as the season progresses.

Yes, it was Holy Cross. But the breakout potential is there. On several occasions, Winter displayed his ability to operate in the low post and from outside. Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard now has the luxury of two seven-footers who aren’t scared to shoot from deep in the starting lineup.

In 2023-24, Winter registered 2.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in roughly nine minutes per game. Those totals are all set to skyrocket in 2024-25.