The Wisconsin Badgers (2-0 overall) were so hot in the early going last night at the Kohl Center, they shot the lights out—literally.
Wisconsin defeated the UW-Green Bay Phoenix (2-2 overall) 79-62 Wednesday night, with senior forward Alando Tucker leading the way with 19 points.
In the midst of a 20-4 start by the Badgers, UW-Green Bay shot clock went out in the beginning of the first half, prompting the referees to shut off both clocks, which were later fixed in the second frame. For Wisconsin's leader, it was imperative the team get off to a quick start.
""Every time we get on the court with anybody, we want to prove we're the better team,"" Tucker said. ""At times last year, we used to start off very slow. And that's one of the things that we have taken a conscious effort this year, is to make sure we have a fast start.""
The pace of the game was sluggish. The stoppage of play caused by the shot clocks in the first half coupled with 47 total fouls called and 55 total free throws attempted slowed the game down drastically.
Phoenix head coach Tod Kwalczyk stressed that this certainly catered to the half-court oriented Badgers.
""We're a team that needs to play in transition. Wisconsin's just the opposite,"" the fifth-year head coach said. ""They run the half-court game and with the stoppage of play with the fouls and the free throws, we never got a chance to get into the flow over the course of the game.""
The Badgers set the pace in the first half, led by Tucker's 13 points and Michael Flowers' feisty play. The junior guard picked up 12 points and three steals in the first 20 minutes, setting the tone for Wisconsin early.
But the Phoenix refused to go away. They cut the Badger lead down to 11 early in the second half and looked like they might be able to get back into the game.
""Anytime you can keep distance you want to do that,"" said Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan. ""It's not that anybody let up, it's just we didn't find and cover.""
That was as close as UW-Green Bay would get, though. Strong second-half play by junior forward Brian Butch and sophomore forward Joe Krabbenhoft sparked Wisconsin and lifted the Badgers to 2-0, a mark the team is more than happy to be at.
""When you can start the season 2-0, any team would be happy with that, so it gives us some momentum going into the game on Sunday,"" senior guard Kammron Taylor said regarding the upcoming game against Southern at home.
The toughness and tenacity in the game was a plus for Ryan's Badgers. The head coach emphasized that games like these are great preparation for conference opponents.
""It's always going to be a dogfight. It's never going to change. When that happens, there's a lot of contact,"" Ryan said. ""I really think these games have helped prepare us for the Big Ten, these state games, because of how competitive they are.""
The Badgers continued to struggle from the free-throw line, despite plenty of opportunities. They shot a shade under 56 percent, with Tucker leading the cavalry, shooting 5-for-11.
