Beyond the Box Score: Wisconsin 72, Purdue 58

Now that’s more like it.

After three tough to watch performances, the Badgers got back on the winning track on Saturday by defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 72-58.

While Purdue was able to keep it close in the first half, the Badgers controlled the entire game. The win puts the Badgers at 4-3 in conference and in a 4^th place tie with Minnesota who is currently losing in Lincoln.

Let’s jump to the box score.

• Sam Dekker hit eight of his 11 free throws. It’s been mentioned on here before, but that’s his only glaring weakness. If he starts hitting 80% of his free throws, he’ll be even tougher to stop.
• All five starters for the Badgers scored in double digits. That, on the surface is always good, but because of this, Purdue’s bench outscored the Badgers 32-5. This isn’t something that concerns me too much, but it’s worth noting. It stands out more in games, such as Minnesota, when Kaminsky had to sit much of the first half.
• Purdue scored 40 of its 58 points in the paint. This almost isn’t even worth mentioning anymore as it’s becoming such a mainstay. It’s something that could haunt the team come March.
• Wisconsin gave up ten fast break points. It’s not an outrageous number, but I’m guessing Bo would like this to be lower. This also rises as you crash the boards more, which the Badgers were working on yesterday. I’ll trade a couple extra fast break baskets for more offensive rebounds, personally.

Despite all the negatives, it’s good to get back in the win column. With two home games this week, maybe the Badgers can start a new win streak.