Johnny Davis gave a simple explanation of how Wisconsin managed to get down the stretch and avoid being upset in the first round.
The All American guard and Big Ten player for the year stated that “We just stopped being lax on defense and nonfundamental.” “That was it.”
Davis scored the last 14 points for Wisconsin and finished with 25. The Big Ten co-champion Badgers beat Colgate 67-60 on Friday night.
Colgate’s 15-game winning streak was broken by the Badgers (25-7), who advanced to Sunday’s second round against No. 11 seed Iowa State (21-12). LSU was defeated by the Cyclones 59-54earlier Friday.
Wisconsin led by five points in the second period, but then went on a 10-0 run that kept Colgate scoreless for seven minutes. Greg Gard, Wisconsin coach, agreed with Davis’ blunt assessment about what caused the turnaround.
Gard stated, “At least he is honest.”
Davis proved he is still a step away from the left ankle injury that forced the Badgers’ regular season finale. Davis was back for the Big Ten Tournament, but lost 3 of 19 to Michigan State in a quarterfinal loss. advanced Friday night.
After scoring 3 of 11, Davis lit up when the Badgers needed his help. With 8:08 remaining, Steven Crowl’s 3 pointer gave Wisconsin the lead at 53-52.
Davis assumed control from that point.
Davis stated, “That was a big shot from Steve.” “I feel like it’s something I’ve done before, but my teammates and coaches have a lot confidence in me to win a game.
Davis’ teammates witnessed him doing that throughout the season, and they struggle to describe how much it has meant for them.
Chucky Hepburn, a Wisconsin guard, said that “I’m speechless.” “I don’t have any words.” “I just give him the ball, and I’m done.”
Tyler Wahl scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds to help Wisconsin.
Nelly Cummings had 20 points, Tucker Richardson had 15, and Colgate shot 10 of 22 from 3-point range. This nearly topped Wisconsin.
Colgate was second in the country in 3-point percentage (.403), and 12th in 3-pointers/game (9.9). The Raiders’ long-range attack was a success in the second half. They whipped a scare into the partisan crowd at Fiserv Forum (about 80 miles east of Wisconsin).
Colgate coach Matt Langel stated, “I have been to many great venues in this nation: the Palestra and Cameron Indoor Stadium,” he said. “I don’t believe I’ve ever been in a better environment than tonight’s college basketball game. This isn’t something that happens in NCAA Tournament games.
The 14th-seeded Raiders (23-12), made six of seven 3-pointers in the second period. Richardson went 4 for 4 from beyond arc in the opening five minutes.
Colgate led 48-48 after Jeff Woodward converted three-point play at 10:40. However, the Raiders would not score again until the 3;33 mark.
Langel stated that Wisconsin had increased their defensive intensity a bit. “Tucker let loose a few times. They were not going to allow him to get loose any more. In the midst of close games, things got more physical than you’d expect from a Big Ten champion.
BIG PICTURE
Wisconsin: Davis was not able to score in the first 10 minutes, but he was great when it came down. If the Badgers are to have a deep run, they will need to keep Davis in good form in the second half.
Colgate: Although the Raiders have yet to win an NCAA Tournament game they are showing that they are capable of competing with any team. They gave Tennessee everything it could handle , but they lost 77-70 in 2019 and blew a 14-point lead in an 85 68 defeat to Arkansaslast season.
UP NEXT
On Sunday, Wisconsin will face Iowa State in a battle for a spot at the Badgers’ first Sweet Sixteen since 2017.
