Beyond the Box: UW defeats Milwaukee
December 23, 2009 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 23, 2009
MADISON, Wis. --
Star of the Game
Jon Leuer takes home Star of the Game honors for his team-leading 25 points, along with six rebounds and zero turnovers vs. UW Milwaukee. Leuer, who set the tempo early with 16 first-half points, went 11-of-14 from the field and proved to be too much for the Panthers to handle. He played solid on the other end as well, taking two charges and blocking two shots.
Play of the Game
Despite having his lowest point output since the season opener (8 points), Trevon Hughes still managed to produce the play of the game. Lonnie Boga’s defense was no match for Hughes’ double crossover move from the wing. After freezing the defender, Hughes went up for a tough lay-up while drawing the foul and knocking down the free throw to follow. This play pushed the Badgers to a 9-point lead (37-28) with just over two minutes left in the first half. The and-one play came amid a 9-1 run by the Badgers.
Turning Point of the Game
The beginning of the contest was unsteady, as the lead changed six times in the first half. That is until the Badgers pulled down strong boards on both ends and knocked down tough shots, leading them to a 9-1 run to close out the first half. The Red and White grabbed a 41-29 lead at the break, thanks to that run as Hughes and Jordan Taylor combined for all nine points. The Badgers didn’t look back, as Milwaukee never came within 10 points in the second half.
Stat of the Game
If all head coach Bo Ryan wanted for Christmas was for his team to dominate free throws, Santa was listening. The Badgers made more free throws than the Panthers attempted in the game, knocking down 18 of 20 (90%) from the charity stripe. Because of the Badgers smart play on defense, UW Milwaukee only had the chance at twelve free throws, and only managed to hit six. Wisconsin salted the game away at the line, knocking down 9-of-9 attempts in the final six minutes.
Game Notes
Wisconsin is now 26-1 all-time vs. Milwaukee and has won the last 17 meetings with the Panthers … UW improved to 127-10 at the Kohl Center under Bo Ryan … the Badgers have won 12 consecutive home games … junior Jon Leuer posted his third 20-point game of the season and ninth of his career. He has now scored 90 points over the last four games. His 11 made field goals were a career high … junior Keaton Nankivil posted back-to-back games in double figures with 14 points ... sophomore Jordan Taylor his fourth game of the season in double digits with 14 points.
