Greg Gard
The Wisconsin Badgers ran their win streak to five games on Thursday night, knocking off Ohio State 79-68 at the Kohl Center.
The Badgers entered the game shooting 32.0% from three-point range in Big Ten play. Last night, the Badgers hit 13 of 27 (48.1%) to help the Badgers pull out the win. The long distance accuracy helped after the Badgers made just 10 of 17 at the free throw line.
The Badgers (14-9, 6-4 Big Ten) moved into sixth place in the Big Ten, tied with Michigan State (19-4, 6-4). Ohio State fell to 6-5 in league play and 14-10 overall.
Six different Badger players hit at least one three pointer. Yet coach Greg Gard told his team at halftime they were taking too many three’s and not touching the paint enough.
Nigel Hayes had just three points at halftime on one-of-seven shooting from the field. Hayes got hot in the second half and finished with 21 points.
AUDIO: Greg Gard on his message to Nigel Hayes at halftime :15
Bronson Koenig hit three-of-seven from three point range and finished with 13 points and no turnovers in 28 minutes.
Vitto Brown also scored 12 points, finishing in double figures in Big Ten play for the first time. Ethan Happ added 12 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Ohio State freshman guard JaQuan Lyle had 18 points in the first half and finished with 27 to lead all scorers. Lyle hit three-of-six from three-point range and 11-of-19 overall.
The win is another step in the right direction when the NCAA Tournament comes into play. But Greg Gard said they are not worried about the tournament, only about what’s in front of them. The Badgers will host Nebraska next Wednesday before facing back-to-back road games against Maryland and Michigan State.
AUDIO: Greg Gard isn’t worried about the tournament, only about what’s next :09