The Badgers scored just 17 points in the first half of Friday afternoon's Big Ten tournament matchup with #6 Michigan- their lowest total for a half the whole season. In the second half, Wisconsin exploded for 51 points- their highest total in a half this season.
It truly was a "tale of two halves" for the #22 ranked and 4-seeded Badgers (22-10, 12-6) , who came up big in the final 20 minutes of the game and topped #6 ranked and 5-seeded Michigan (26-7, 12-6) 68-59 in the second round of the Big Ten tournament. The victory was Wisconsin's 12th win over Michigan in the last 13 meetings between the schools.
While it was a team effort in Wisconsin's victory, a lot of props goes to PG Traevon Jackson, who poured in 16 points with 3 assists and had a countless number of clutch plays that really helped UW stay in the game and ultimately win.
It wasn't just his offensive effort, though. Jackson played incredible defense on his longtime rival and the Big Ten Player of the Year, Michigan's Trey Burke, and really kept him in check throughout the game.
The Senior trio of Ryan Evans, Mike Bruesewitz and Jared Berggren turned it on in the second half and really propelled the Badgers to victory. The three combined for 28 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 assists. They'll have to keep up the good play as the now run right in to Indiana's Cody Zeller.
Wisconsin's second half outburst in this game was really thanks to their effort to get inside and fight for easy looks. They were not settling for jumpers, and that led to easy post up baskets and layups. When they took it inside, it opened up the threes for Mike Bruesewitz and Ben Brust, who were knocking them down at will in the second half.
The Badgers will look to keep up the momentum they built this afternoon in tomorrow's matchup with #3 ranked and first-seeded Indiana.
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