A tough, ugly and defensive 48-38 win was all too fitting for head coach Bo Ryan as he celebrated his 300th career win with the Badgers.
The Wisconsin men’s basketball team (9-0 overall) kept their perfect season alive Wednesday night in Charlottesville, Va. against the Cavaliers (7-2).
The victory also marks the team’s second best start in school history.
The Cavaliers came into this game with the No. 3 scoring defense in the nation, allowing an average of only 53.5 points per game. The first half would be no different, as they held Wisconsin to only 25 points.
The Badgers were tested by the tough Cavalier defense early on and struggled to get good offensive looks, something they have not had a problem with thus far this season. They forced nine UW turnovers throughout the game.
Wisconsin countered Virginia with good defense of its own. The Badgers held them to only 20 points at halftime, the fewest points they have allowed in a first half this season.
Junior forward Frank Kaminsky was the one Wisconsin player to make an impact on the offensive end. He scored seven points and had nine rebounds in the first half.
Wisconsin stole the momentum early in the second half and paved their way to seven-point lead midway through the half.
Virginia’s offensive struggles continued, as they were unable to convert on a field goal until the 11:18 mark. They shot only 22.4 percent from the floor on the game, while only converting on a single three-point shot.
Senior guard Ben Brust entered the scoring picture as well, scoring eight points in the second half, including two three pointers.
Despite gaining a 14-point lead midway through the half, the Cavaliers went on a run to close the gap to seven with 3:17 to play.
Following a foul by redshirt junior guard Josh Gasser, Virginia converted on a pair of bonus free throws to close the game to a six-point Badger lead.
Wisconsin quickly refuted the late Cavalier push by possessing the ball on the offensive end and converting on four late bonus free throws. They would go on to hold the lead and win their ninth consecutive game to start the season.
The Badgers only shot 28.8 percent on the game, but their hardnosed defense proved enough to beat Virginia. Gasser would lead Wisconsin in scoring, tallying 11 points.
UW looked more like last year’s team, as they marked a season low 48 total points. Their previous low was 59 points against Florida.
Up next for Wisconsin is in-state rival Marquette at the Kohl Center Saturday at 1:15 p.m. The Golden Eagles dropped from the AP top-25 this week.
