Number 23 University of Wisconsin will seek to recover from a one-sided defeat to a top-ranked opponent when it welcomes Jacksonville State for a non-conference match on Thursday night in Madison, Wis.
Following impressive triumphs over Number 7 Marquette and Michigan State, the Badgers (7-3) halted their six-game winning streak with a 97-73 setback to Number 1 Arizona on Saturday.
Wisconsin remained competitive early on before Arizona closed the first half with a 25-8 surge, securing a 48-31 lead at halftime.
The Badgers appeared to regain their defensive prowess during their winning streak, conceding only 56.7 points per game. They outperformed opponents by an average of 11.2 rebounds per game, including a 38-23 advantage over Marquette and a 36-22 lead over Michigan State.
However, Wisconsin was outrebounded by Arizona 39-30 and outscored 42-32 in the paint. After limiting each of their previous six opponents to a shooting percentage of 46.2 or lower, Arizona hit 58.3% of their shots — including 12 of 26 from the 3-point range.
“The snowball effect took place, it continued to grow and grow, and it was challenging for us to regain control,” stated Wisconsin coach Greg Gard. “We will gain numerous insights from this as we review the footage. I felt our defensive performance was not up to our usual standards, but that is predominantly due to Arizona and their manner of attack, stretching us out at times. Learn from it, develop from it, and prepare for the next challenge.”
AJ Storrs, a second-year transfer from St. John’s, leads the Badgers in scoring at an average of 13.8 points per game. Steven Crowl, who contributes 12.1 points and a team-high 7.1 rebounds, was pleased with his team’s previous victories before succumbing to Arizona.
“It was hugely significant to secure those two wins earlier this week,” Crowl said, as reported by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. “I am certain people assumed we would end up with zero wins.”
Securing those two victories, in addition to a Big Ten game on the road, was formidable for us. We knew we were in for a tough spell. We simply aimed to tackle it.”
Guard John Blackwell came off the bench to contribute 17 points against Arizona. He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday. “Greater resilience,” Blackwell told the Journal-Sentinel when questioned about the insights gained after the defeat. “Adhering to defensive regulations… We simply need to stick to our defensive principles. Everything else will fall into place. This defeat taught us a great deal. We truly endured a significant setback.”
Jacksonville State (4-6) was projected in the preseason poll to finish at the bottom of the Conference USA after transitioning from the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Gamecocks made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2021-22.
The Gamecocks, who have suffered two consecutive losses, have an average of 67.4 points per game.
KyKy Tandy, a graduate transfer from Xavier, averages a team-high 17.4 points per game and has contributed 27 of the team’s 52 3-pointers. Quincy Clark adds 10.2 points per game, while Juwan Perdue and Marcellus Brigham Jr. are recording 5.5 and 5.0 rebounds per game, respectively.
Andres Burney achieved a career-best 12 points in Jacksonville State’s 55-49 loss to Illinois Chicago on Friday. The Gamecocks only managed to shoot 37.0% from the field, including just 1 of 11 from beyond the arc.
