The Wisconsin Badgers have leaned on senior forward Alando Tucker many times for the big play this season. But after knocking off preseason Big Ten favorite Ohio State 72-69 at the Kohl Center in Madison last night, it's quite clear that the Badgers are not a one man show.
Tucker finished with 17 points but was far from his normal stellar self. The Badgers got clutch performances from players like Kammron Taylor (25 pts), Marcus Landry, Michael Flowers, Joe Krabbenhoft and Jason Chappell.
The Badgers aren't 16-1 because they have one superstar leading the way. They're 16-1 because they have a collective group of players that all contribute in many ways.
Marcus Landry made one of the biggest impacts off the bench. Landry scored 10 points, pulled down 4 offensive rebounds, blocked four shots and hit 2 of his 3 three-pointers.
Taylor and Flowers combined for 35 points and 10 rebounds. And Jason Chappell helped hold down Ohio State's 7-foot big man Greg Oden to a season low 10 points.
Not to say the Badgers aren't talented, because they have plenty of talent. But I believe this team is 16-1 because they collectively do it on both ends of the floor, offense and defense. And their coach, Bo Ryan, is one of the top coaches in the country.
The Badgers almost let this one get away, but in the end, they held on for the win, maintaining a perfect home record at the Kohl Center and showing the rest of the college basketball world that the Badgers are for real.
Listen/Download – Marcus Landry on his effort off the bench. :24