BIG TEN TOURNAMENT: Wisconsin defeats Nebraska 66-62
The Wisconsin Badgers defeat the Nebraska Cornhuskers today 66-62 today at the United Center in Chicago. Wisconsin will move on to play Michigan State in the Semifinal round.
The Badgers were led by Khaill Iverson who had 14 points on the game along with Nate Reuvers who had 14 points as well. Brad Davidson and Aleem Ford both had 11 points for the Badgers.
Khaill Iverson impressed a lot with his performance today and Wisconsin Coach Greg Gard really noticed a lot in his game. He’s had that ability. It’s a matter of him doing it in a live situation. It’s been encouraged. It’s been worked on. I think right now, in the last month, he’s really played at the confidence level needed and his assertiveness level is at an all-time high. You want to see a senior, that’s helped this program, being able to play his best basketball at the end of his career in the last few weeks like that. He’s definitely doing that.” Gard said
It was not a good game for Ethan Happ as he had only 4 points and was 2 for 4 from the paint which is very unusual for the big man. “I thought he was out of sorts from the beginning. Very uncharacteristic for him. Fortunately, we had teammates that rallied to his side and were able to play well when he was trying to have a harder time finding his rhythm.” Gard said
The Badgers will now play the Spartans in the Semifinal round of the Big Ten Tournament and Gard talked about the Challenge that Michigan State brings. “They’re really good. I don’t know how you coach against Tom Izzo teams. You have to be really good at the things you’re good at, try to minimize the things that they’re really good at, and you gotta make shots.
“We’ve got to be very consistent. We know it will be a physical game as every game is in this league. Tom’s got really good players, has for a long time, does a terrific job with them. It’s a really good team. We’re excited to have that opportunity tomorrow.” Gard said