Tough Weekend Concludes with Loss in Champaign

A tough weekend for Wisconsin athletics continued Sunday night as the Badger basketball squad took a 61-69 loss to the Fighting Illini at Assembly Hall. Illinois senior point guard Demetri McCamey scored a game-high 21 points and was able to take control of the offense in the final minutes of the game scoring 11 points in the final 5 minutes.

Although Wisconsin was again able to take care of the ball only committing three turnovers, their shooting seemed to keep them a step behind the Illini all game. The Badgers shot a dismal 35% from the floor while only going 21 for 60 from three-point land.

“As bad as we were shooting the ball those last (few) minutes, I felt like we had a chance,” Head Coach Bo Ryan said.

Wisconsin was only down three at the half despite their shooting woes but were plagued by the slump later in the half as they went on a stretch missing 14 of 20 from three point range. Meanwhile, the Fighting Illini were able to capitalize on half of their shots beyond the arc, as they went 6 for 12. Bill Cole dominated the first half knocking down three of his five three point attempts and chipping in 11 points, 4 rebounds and an assist.

Jordan Taylor was once again solid in his 19 point, 5 assist performance. Despite being fouled out in the final five seconds, Taylor was able to counter a slow first half by scoring 12 second half points and knocking down two crucial threes en route to leading the Badgers in scoring. Senior Jon Leuer matched Taylor with 19 points as both hit desperation shots in the final minutes to keep the Badgers in the game. Freshman center Meyers Leonard was able to seal the deal with his two-handed slam, converting it into a three point play as Sophomore Mike Bruesewitz’s fouled Leonard on the dunk. Head Coach Bruce Weber saw signs of life from his team that he rarely saw earlier in the season, but still said he remained a little worried because of the reputation the Badger’s have.

“We go on a run, they call a timeout, they walk calmly to the bench,” and execute a play that consistently delivers, Weber said, “You’re not going to put a Bo Ryan team away.”