The Wisconsin Badgers were only slightly warmer than the Green Bay Phoenix at the Kohl Center Tuesday night, winning yet another round of the in-state rivalry 56-45. Both teams struggled from the floor. GB shot just 34% percent, hitting only 2 of 14 shots from beyond the arc and while they tried to rally from a 32-15 halftime deficit, closing to within 6 in the second half, free throw shooting derailed any hopes for a comeback victory, going just 13 of 23 from the line.
The Badgers, outside of long distance shooting (8 of 19), were even worse overall, making just 30 percent of their shots. Tyler Wahl and Chucky Hepburn combined to go four of 25 from the floor. Jordan Davis was the only Wisconsin player in double figures with 11, Max Klesmit finished with 9. Green Bay also forced a season high 14 Wisconsin turnovers and closed the gap after intermission with an energetic run, led by Zae Blake with 15 points off the bench. Cade Meyer added 13. Almost all of the missed shots were chased down by Wisconsin, outrebounding GB 45-25.
The Badgers improved to 3-0 and now get a week off before taking part in the Battle for Atlantis Thanksgiving tournament in the Bahamas. Green Bay drops to 0-3 and they’ll take part in the Jersey Mike’s Jamaica Classic in Montego Bay on Friday against Queens College.
Wisconsin now leads the all-time series with Green Bay 27-1.
