Saturday night the Badgers ended their preseason 2-0 on a powerful note when UW defeated Gallos de Pelea 97-55.
The Badgers came out from the start better than they did their first game. Senior guard Kirk Penney hit a three-pointer to open the scoring and set the pace for the game.
Once again, it didn't take long for UW Head Coach Bo Ryan to put a true freshman in the game. Freshman guard/forward Alando Tucker continued his solid play. He ended the game with 10 points and two spectacular dunks that showed his leaping ability and athleticism.
Continuing the trend from Wednesday's 71-52 victory over the EA Sports All-Starts, everyone got a chance to play.
\I expect everyone on the floor to play. I don't put anyone in the game who I will regret putting in the game if I feel like they are not going to play hard,"" Ryan said.
The Badgers were able to pick up the pace this game. Sophomore forward Mike Wilkinson and sophomore forward Andreas Helmigk were able to dominate the paint.
""We made stronger moves, unlike Wednesday, and we did a better job finishing,"" Ryan said.
Junior forward Dave Mader echoed what Ryan said.
""We're feeling good out there. We're trying to get the flow of the game and our teammates. I have to be there for the rebounds and stay solid,"" he said.
Junior guard Freddie Owens, who is becoming a crowd favorite, has been a great penetrator thus far and he was able to effectively drive through the defense in this game. He finished with 10 points. Penney, who was the leading scorer, added 21 points.
Sophomore guard Devin Harris was able to get his teammates involved in the game. He ended with eight assists and 10 points.
""I look to the guys more. I attack the basket which makes it easier to kick the ball back out,"" Harris said. Harris played sound defense and made good decisions with the ball.
Ryan said he was impressed with the way the Badgers handled the ball as well.
""We didn't give in to the temptation to shooting from the perimeter. We were able to score in the post when the other team's big guys fouled out. We got easier shots in the post. We stayed with the system and things worked out better that way,"" he said.
The Badgers showed a spark this game. They were able to out- rebound and outhustle their opponents. They also got more points off turnovers and more fast break points. The men showed great teamwork with good passes and more touches on the ball. Defensively, the Badgers were on point and on offense, every Badger scored.
Samuel Bowie was the leading scorer for Gallos de Pelea with 13 points. Jose Escobedo added 12 points. Foul trouble got them in the hole early on in the game and because of this they were unable to get back in the game. They were forced to shoot from the perimeter when time was running out but they were not able to come close to the Badgers.
The Badgers ended their preseason 2-0, but said they know the games that count are just around the corner.
""We're just getting our reputation out there at this point to get ready for the season,"" Harris said.
With the consistent play the Badgers showed Saturday night, they should be a team to be reckoned with during the regular season.
