The Wisconsin Badgers claimed victory against the Virginia Cavaliers with a score of 65-41 and followed it up with another win, this time a 69-61 triumph over the SMU Mustangs in the Fort Myers Classic Finals.
Despite a poor offensive showing in the first half, the Badgers managed to stay in the game with a halftime deficit of 32-24. However, a strong second-half performance from Max Klesmit, Tyler Wahl, and Chucky Hepburn led them to a comeback victory.
Here are the key takeaways from the Badgers’ win over SMU:
Tyler Wahl
After Steven Crowl’s dominant performance against the Virginia Cavaliers, SMU focused on containing him, opening up opportunities for Tyler Wahl to shine. Wahl displayed his scoring ability with 14 points on 6/11 shooting.
Wahl’s aggressive performance was crucial for a struggling Badgers team, especially with their three-point shooting woes, where he showcased his ability to drive to the basket effectively.
Three-point shooting
Despite initial struggles from beyond the arc, the Badgers relied heavily on three-pointers to stay in the game. Their persistence paid off with Max Klesmit hitting crucial shots to keep the game close.
The team’s three-point shooting struggles continued in this game, but it’s clear that they have the confidence to keep shooting from deep.
Defense
Although SMU had success from long range, the Badgers’ defense, particularly inside the paint, was commendable. They forced multiple turnovers and controlled the rebounding battle on both ends of the floor.
Despite offensive struggles, the Badgers’ solid defensive performance contributed to their victory over a fast and athletic SMU team.
