Badgers’ Remaining Depth on Display In Exhibition Win

After a preseason marred by injuries to projected starters Mike Bruesewitz and Josh Gasser, there was plenty of concern in the UW basketball program about the team’s ability to build the depth needed to withstand a grueling Big Ten season. And while UW-Oshkosh is no Indiana, the Badgers definitely outplayed expectation in their lone exhibition contest, a 96-44 win Wednesday night at the Kohl Center.

Despite the lopsided final tally, the Badgers did indeed face some early adversity with the Titans jumping out to a quick 7-0 lead. But after pushing that lead to 10-2, UW-O found itself powerless as the Badgers responded by closing out the first half on a 42-8 run, putting the game well out of reach at the halfway mark.

While many were looking to see how freshman Sam Dekker would perform in his first game at the college level, the surprise of the night was the impact of Air Force transfer Zach Bohannon. Having previously been known primarily for his family ties and political stances, Bohannon made his case for attention on the court Wednesday night, finishing with 7 points and 8 rebounds (6 offensive) in just 15 minutes of action.

Although Dekker had an unspectacular but productive 5 point, 5 rebound, and 3 assist effort, the Badgers got plenty of production elsewhere. All five starters crossed into double figures led by senior forward Jared Berggren’s 16 points and 7 rebounds. Filling in for Gasser, redshirt freshman guard George Marshall looked very much a capable replacement, ending the night with 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting.

Senior forward Ryan Evans picked up where he left off during the 2011-2012 campaign, notching another double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Without a player over 6’7”, the Titans were simply outmanned. Wisconsin continued to hammer UW-O in the lane all night, finishing with a commanding 46-18 advantage rebounding, including 18 offensive rebounds that led to 21 2^nd chance points.

UW figures to face a stiffer test in the trenches next week when they face No. 10 Florida in Gainesville next Wednesday. But in the limited preview Wednesday at the Kohl Center, the Badgers certainly looked to be on top of their inside game and confident on the boards and in the lane. That is definitely a positive development for a team that last year seemed at times hesitant to get the ball inside.

While much of the attention now shifts to the marquee matchup with the Gators next week, Wisconsin will first open its regular season with a Sunday matinee against Southeastern Louisiana. The Lions (12-17 in 2011-2012) will also be opening their regular season on Sunday having won their lone exhibition contest 94-42 Wednesday over Millsaps College.

Certainly the temptation to overlook Sunday is there, but one thing that injury cannot take away from this Badger program is the mental discipline that head coach Bo Ryan has instilled throughout his tenure in Madison. So while you may decide to tune out and wait for Wednesday, the Badgers know there is plenty of work to be done in the meantime.