Behind an explosive offensive effort, the Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Bowling Green Falcons 90-78 on Wednesday night at the Kohl Center.
Wisconsin built a healthy lead in the first quarter and maintained it the rest of the night to improve to 3-1 on the season.
Guard Kryah Daniels led Wisconsin’s much improved offensive performance, scoring a season high 21 points. Forward Gift Uchenna scored 12 points while guard Ronnie Porter added 11, both season highs. Wisconsin struggled at times defensively, but their offensive outpour helped them run away with the game.
Wisconsin’s offense initially sputtered, as Bowling Green’s full-court press forced the Badgers to turn the ball over six times. But anchored by guard Laci Steele’s nine first quarter points and a defensive showing that held Bowling Green to only 5-for-19 from the field, Wisconsin made its way out of the quarter with a 22-16 lead.
In the second quarter, Wisconsin continued to force Bowling Green into taking difficult shots, but the Falcons converted at a higher rate than in the first quarter, hitting 8-for-16 of their shots to and putting pressure on the Badgers offense.
Wisconsin’s offense rose to the occasion, scoring 26 points in the quarter and only committing two turnovers. Porter, who found scoring opportunities by driving into the paint, led the way with eight points in the quarter to help Wisconsin build their lead to 48-39.
Bowling Green fought hard to keep within reach in the third quarter. As Johnea Donahue started to make shots for the Falcons, the Badgers began to stall out on offense. However, thanks to a late quarter spark on offense, Wisconsin still led 66-56 going into the 4th quarter.
Wisconsin closed out the game with an aggressive defensive approach and an efficient and composed offensive mentality, a sign that Wisconsin is growing after their loss to Marquette just a few days prior. Steele and Uchenna both stayed composed and hit huge fourth quarter shots to seal the game for the Badgers.
Wisconsin ended the game shooting 55% from the field, 39% from behind the arc and forced 15 turnovers.
The Badgers will have a few days to catch their breath and continue to refine their play before they take on UW-Green Bay on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Kohl Center.
