Wisconsin used hot shooting from the outside to pick up a 72-58 win Thursday night and oust Belmont from the 2011 NCAA Tournament. It is the Badgers 5th straight victory in their tournament opener and marks the 9th time in 10-years under Bo Ryan that the team advances to the round of 32.
The Badgers shot 50% from the field for the game including a 12 of 22 (54.5%) stint from downtown. Six different Wisconsin players connected for a 3-bagger on the night. Head Coach Bo Ryan said the shooting was contagious:
AUDIO: Bo Ryan says his team’s shooting was contagious last night
Jon Leuer had 22-points to lead all scorers. Jordan Taylor added 21. Eight different Badgers reached the scoring column in the game. Forward Mike Bruesewitz says everyone stepped up:
AUDIO: Mike Bruesewitz on everyone stepping up for Wisconsin
Defense was business as usual for the Badgers. Wisconsin held Belmont to their lowest single game point total on the season. The Bruins came into the game averaging 80.6 points per game. Senior Tim Jarmusz looks at the defense as being the key:
AUDIO: Tim Jarmuszsays it started with defense
Next up for the Badgers in Kansas State. The Wildcats took out Utah State Thursday night 73-68. The two teams met back in the 2008 tournament in the same round with Wisconsin earning a 72-55 win. Tip is set for 7:40 (our time) in Arizona.