Wisconsin defined what it means to escape with a win in their 71-68 victory over Nicholls State on Wednesday evening. The night began without Badgers leading scorer Johnny Davis, who was ruled out with a non-COVID related illness prior to tip.
Without Davis’ nearly 21 points per game in the lineup, Wisconsin labored for offense against an impressive Nicholls State team that is expected to contend for a Southland conference championship. Led by leading scorer Ty Gordon, it was the Colonels who dominated on both ends early on. Wisconsin struggled to stay in front of the shifty Nicholls State backcourt.
The question of where would the offensive replacements come from went unanswered early on. Wisconsin limped into the locker room down 37-28 and in danger of a loss that can destroy an NCAA Tournament resume.
The Badgers saved themselves from an embarrassing home defeat with a 16-0 run in the second half to flip an 11-point deficit into a five-point advantage.
Davison and Chris Vogt combined for 12 of the 16 points during the run, and the Badgers would never trail after taking a 51-46 lead by the end of the spurt.
Wisconsin ultimately held off a final Nicholls State spurt to come away with a 71-68 win.
Davison finished with a team-high 19 points, while Tyler Wahl added 12. It was Jahcobi Neath’s best night as a Badger, as the Wake Forest transfer stepped into the starting lineup and added 9 points.
Wisconsin improved to 9-2 on the year, and will continue their non-conference slate next Thursday against Morgan State.