Badgers Start Stroger, but Struggle Late

In the first two games of the Old Spice Classic the Wisconsin men's basketball team struggled in the first half. When it came to the championship game against Notre Dame the Badgers struggled more in the second half. Costing them a victory of the Fighting Irish.

After scoring only 19 points in the first half the Badgers were only down by three heading into the break. Because of solid defense Wisconsin was able to hold the Irish to just 22 points in the first half. Then maintain their defensive advantage in the second half.

The Badgers held Notre Dame scoreless for the first four minutes of the second stanza keeping the score tied at 24-24. Led by Jon Leuer and Jordan Taylor the Badgers would run out to a nine point lead half-way thru the second half. Until the Irish would come back.

From the mid-way point the Irhish would outscore the Badgers 24-8 in the final ten minutes. Taking the Badgers out of the game defensively the Irish were able to find ways to score on Wisconsin late when the Badgers when the game mattered.

Another key factor to the game for Wisconsin was fouls and free-throws. The Badgers would make all four free throws they were allowed to shoot. Notre Dame on the other hand missed only five free throws...of the 25 they shot at the free-throw stripe.

In terms of personal fouls the Badgers held the edge 22-8, and saw two starters foul out of the game (Gasser and Taylor). Taking scorers off the floor late in the game, and taking any chance of a comeback away from the Badgers. Resulting in a Badger loss 58-51.