After the first loss of the season, Badger basketball controlled the entire game against last-minute opponent, Rhode Island.
Record Setting Night
There were two different Badger basketball records celebrated tonight. D’Mitrik Trice became the first Badger to record 1,000 points, 300 rebounds, and 300 assists before the end of his junior season. He was given a signed ball and was celebrated before the game. One of the most illustrious careers to come through the Badger basketball program.
D’Mitrik Trice
The second record was the all-time block record. The record was held by Rashard Griffith between 1994 and 1995. In the last decade, four players have broken the mark of 124. First, Jared Berggren, followed by Frank Kaminsky. After Frank blocked 153 shots, Ethan Happ blocked just 1 more to set the mark at 154.
With 9:30 left in the first half, Nate Reuvers sent away a shot from a driving, Jeremy Sheppard to be the new leader. The senior rim protector blocked two more shots to extend his lead. Reuvers, the latest in the line of talented big men, has a chance to hold the record for years to come. Will he hold onto it for as long as Griffith? Time will tell.
Player of the Game
Brad Davison
Davison started the game by going 3-3 from downtown. He scored 9 of the Badger’s first 10 points. That hot start propelled Davison to outscore URI by himself in the 1st half 17-16. Finishing with 23, Davison took all 12 free points given to him by going a perfect 12-12 from the charity stripe.
The Difference
Coming into the game, URI was shooting 47.8% from the field. The Rams outshot the Badgers in percentage, but 14 turnovers and four technical fouls allowed the Badgers to fend off a furious second half. That, and the Badgers shooting 36 free throws was a big help to holding the lead from Davison’s first three-pointer.
Biggest Takeaway
The Badgers also continue to prove that even in 2020, the Kohl Center is an advantage. The Badgers moved to 57-13 under Gard’s guard (again, since 2016) at the Kohl Center. The win will also provide a good cross out of the Marquette loss, once it comes time to compare resumes.