Wisconsin Can't Quite Get Over Hump in 80-70 Loss to No. 9 Tennessee
Wisconsin forward Steven Crowl (22) shoots over Tennessee forward Jonas Aidoo (0) during the second half of their game Friday, November 10, 2023 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Tennessee beat Wisconsin 80-70.
© Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
The unranked Wisconsin Badgers faced a formidable challenge on Friday night against No. 9 Tennessee, as they looked to make an early-season statement on their home court. Despite a resilient effort, the Badgers ultimately fell short in an 80-70 defeat. Trailing 43-35 at halftime, Wisconsin demonstrated determination and tenacity, nearly capturing the lead multiple times in the second half. In fact, they narrowed the Tennessee lead to just one point, 54-53, with 11:45 left in the game.
Volunteers Pull Away
While Wisconsin kept the game within reach, even closing the gap to three points with approximately eight minutes to go, Tennessee responded with a decisive 9-2 run, extending their lead to 10 points. The Volunteers' Northern Colorado transfer, Dalton Knecht, was particularly impressive, scoring 24 points and securing five rebounds. This offensive surge by Tennessee proved too much for the Badgers to overcome down the stretch.
Standout Performances and Missed Opportunities
For Wisconsin, AJ Storr led the scoring with 17 points, followed by Steven Crowl with 14, Chucky Hepburn with 13, and Tyler Wahl with 10, all of which he scored in the second half. Despite the team's persistent efforts, Crowl highlighted the need for defensive improvements:
“We kept cutting it and making it close, and then we couldn't get over that hump," He said. "Our defense needs tightening.”
Wisconsin forward Carter Gilmore (14) is double-teamed by Tennessee guard Jordan Gainey (2) and forward Jonas Aidoo (0) during the second half of their game Friday, November 10, 2023 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Tennessee beat Wisconsin 80-70.
© Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
Shooting Struggles for the Badgers
One of the glaring issues for Wisconsin in the game was their shooting, especially from long range and the free-throw line. The team managed only 6 of 24 on 3-point attempts and converted 14 of 23 free throws. These missed opportunities, particularly in the crucial moments of the game, significantly impacted the final outcome.
"All those little things added up," Wisconsin basketball coach Greg Gard said after the game.
"These types of games challenge you because it exposed things," Gard said. "We had a lot of things that we didn't do well."
A Tough Stretch Ahead
Wisconsin now stands at 1-1 for the season, reflecting on a game that was within reach but ultimately slipped away due to a combination of defensive lapses and shooting inefficiencies. As they move forward, tightening their defense and improving shooting accuracy will be key areas of focus for the Badgers.
This game marked the initial major challenge in Wisconsin's demanding schedule before the holidays. The Badgers are set to host No. 5 Marquette on December 2, head to No. 4 Michigan State for their Big Ten opener on December 5, and journey to No. 12 Arizona on December 9.
