Despite a 1-point game at the half, Wisconsin won this game with ease
Minnesota traveled to Madison for a Friday night contest against the Badgers. After a competitive and hard-fought first half, the Gophers trailed 30-29. But the Wisconsin exploded for 50 points in the second half and quickly pulled away from Minnesota for an 80-59 win.
TURNING POINT: Halftime. Similar to their loss to Purdue, Minnesota was competitive for the first 20 minutes of the game before looking lost and overmatched in the second half. The biggest difference was Wisconsin’s offense. The Badgers shot just 32% from the field, 3/13 from three in the first half. But they were 8/15 from three in the second, 57.7% overall and outscored the Gophers 50-30.
GOOD GAME: Dawson Garcia bounced back and had a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
BAD GAME: The rest of the team was 14/40 from the field and nobody had more than 8 points. Parker Fox and Isaac Asuma combined for zero points and each had four fould.
QUESTIONABLE: Why is Asuma not starting? I understand that he struggled in this particular game, but the freshman is more consistent than any other perimeter player and has been playing with poise throughout the Big Ten season. I know that Ben Johnson tried to change things up with Fox in the starting lineup, but it may be time for Asuma to earn that distinction.
UP NEXT: A trip to Maryland to face the 12-4 Terrapins. This is a 5:30 tip off and should be the appetizer before watching the Vikings/Rams playoff game.