Wisconsin Badgers Triumph Over No. 9 Arizona in Record-Setting 103-88 Victory
MADISON, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team, under head coach Greg Gard, showcased an explosive offensive performance against No. 9 Arizona, leading to a stunning 103-88 victory in the Kohl Center on Friday night. The Badgers, now 4-0, were propelled by John Tonje, who scored a career-high 41 points, never allowing Arizona to take the lead.
This victory marked the first time Wisconsin has reached the century mark against a Power-Five team since 1993 and set a record for the most points scored by a Big Ten team against an AP Top-10 opponent in a non-OT game since the 1992 Elite 8.
Gard noted the need for aggressive scoring to counter Arizona’s adept offensive capabilities, stating, “We knew that we were going to have to score to win.” Wisconsin’s collective effort featured crisp ball movement, resulting in 17 assists on 25 baskets, with contributions from players like Steven Crowl and John Blackwell.
Wisconsin effectively addressed weaknesses from last season’s loss against Arizona by intensifying defensive efforts against the Wildcats’ perimeter shooting, holding them to just 17.4% from beyond the arc. Despite both teams experiencing plentiful fouls, with UW hitting 41 of 47 free throws—a record tying performance—the Badgers maintained composure, demonstrating both grit and intelligence on the court.
Tonje’s dominance, coupled with resilient performances from Max Klesmit and other supporting players, highlighted Wisconsin’s versatility and depth. With these stellar contributions, the Badgers exhibited a promising combination of tenacity and skill, setting an enthusiastic tone for the season ahead. Coach Gard remarked on the growing toughness within the group, hinting at a bright future as they continue to build momentum.
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Photo credit wisconsin.rivals.com
