Wisconsin Badgers Prepare to Face #9 Arizona at Home
On Friday at 8 p.m. (CT) at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin, the Wisconsin men’s basketball team will face off against the formidable No. 9 ranked Arizona Wildcats. This highly anticipated game comes on the heels of an impressive three-game winning streak for the Badgers, setting the stage for an intense showdown on the court.
Last Time Out
In their most recent game against Appalachian State, the Badgers showcased their resilience by coming back from a nine-point deficit to secure a commanding 87-56 victory. A remarkable 24-0 run in the first half propelled them to success, with five different players scoring in double digits. Steven Crowl and John Tonje led the charge with 17 points each, supported by Max Klesmit’s 15 points, and Nolan Winter and Xavier Amos each contributing 10 points. Notably, Wisconsin’s sharp shooting from the free-throw line, where they are currently leading the nation with a 92.5% success rate, proved instrumental in their triumph.
Swiping Frenzy
The Badgers’ defensive prowess was on full display as they amassed an impressive 14 steals against Appalachian State, while only succumbing to two thefts themselves. This marked the first time since 2005 that Wisconsin achieved 14 or more steals in a game while limiting their opponent to two or fewer steals. Noteworthy performances came from Max Klesmit, who matched his career high with five steals, and Crowl, Tonje, and Winter, who each contributed two steals. Dominating the turnover battle at 18-6, the Badgers capitalized on their defensive efforts by scoring 16 points off turnovers.
Watching the Wildcats
Arizona enters this matchup as a formidable opponent, boasting a #9 national ranking and an undefeated record with wins over Canisius and Old Dominion. Under the leadership of head coach Tommy Lloyd, the Wildcats have established themselves as a top-tier program, with impressive offensive and defensive statistics. Notable players to watch include Caleb Love, Tobe Awaka, Jaden Bradley, and KJ Lewis, all averaging double-figure scoring and contributing to Arizona’s early success this season.
Series History
The rivalry between Arizona and Wisconsin has a rich history, with the Badgers holding a 5-3 lead in the all-time series. Despite a setback in their previous meeting, Wisconsin has historically performed well against the Wildcats, including notable victories in NCAA tournament matchups. The upcoming game not only promises an exciting on-court battle but also serves as a tribute to the storied history between these two programs.
As the Badgers gear up to face Arizona, the Kohl Center will be abuzz with excitement, featuring a special “Stripe Out” game where fans are encouraged to show their team spirit by wearing either red or white based on their section. In addition to the game itself, the evening will be filled with tributes to past Wisconsin basketball legends, including the recognition of Coach Bo Ryan, who recently received the prestigious honor of being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
