Thirteen.
No, we are not talking about unlucky numbers. Instead, this is the number of consecutive games that Wisconsin beat Penn State. It has been an uninterrupted streak since March 2011, ten years ago and two coaches. Given the trajectory of both programs in today’s confrontation, it was difficult to imagine that today would be the day when the PSU would end the slippage.
The first half was a round-trip duel that saw hot shootings and several leadership changes (eight in total). The biggest advantage of each team was only four points. Each time one team seemed ready to take on more commanding leadership, the other team responded with a big shot or forced a timely rotation. The Badgers had a 34-31 lead at the break, when the first 20 minutes were said and done.
The second part saw the PSU pick up the pace, the way they like it. Using their athleticism and the Badgers ‘lack of comfort, in addition to a string of cold shots from the city center, Lions were able to claim and maintain their leadership throughout the second half, thanks in large part to Myreon Jones’ important moves , Izaiah Brockington and John Harrar. Harrar, in particular, was battling the straight, scoring in an unbelievable lay-up when he fouled and completed the three-point play from the finish line to give the PSU a nine-point advantage with 2:30 remaining to play.
Wisconsin was desperately trying to maintain an attack distance, but was unable to connect and the PSU did its part to force changes and clear the defensive glass, as well as hit some critical free throws on the stretch, climbing up to 11 points to finish pulling off the big frustrating victory and end a decade’s worthless streak.
Four Factors
Both teams threw the ball reasonably well (PSU 45 percent, Wisconsin 44 percent). What made the difference was the PSU forcing 12 turns, which was the worst season for a Badgers team that usually does an excellent job taking care of the ball. In addition, Lions achieved far more trips to the free throw line, connecting in 19 of their 25 trips, while Badgers were six out of eight in the charity band.
Game player (s)
We are honoring the trio of Jones, Brockington and Harrar. Jones’ 20 points led all scorers, including a perfect 3 in 3 from the city center, while Brockington almost doubled up with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Harrar was also in crossbow mode with 17 points and eight bags , himself. His efforts played an important role in helping the PSU achieve its biggest win of the season.
Random Observations
- The edge fairy is a cruel lover – In the final minute of the first half, Myreon drove to the track for what appeared to be an entry tray, but the ball stayed around the edge before falling. The second half saw John Harrar rise to a one-handed slam in a counterattack that would give the PSU a seven-point advantage, but was rejected by the hoop.
- Welcome back, Sam! – After losing the previous game against Ohio State due to an ankle injury, Sam Sessoms was back in action when he came off the bench to hit a pair of trees. With him and Myles Dread now available again, PSU is back to full depth of the backcourt, and not too soon, with Sam and Myles combined for a total of 15 points off the bench.
- Back to the bubble? – I’m sure Chris Taylor will speak eloquently about it tomorrow, but getting a scalp on a Wisconsin Top 15 team has to put PSU back on the bubble discussion for now. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be looking forward to Joe Lunardi’s next Bracketology to be released.
Next
An immediate new match between Lions and Badgers begins on the next Groundhog Day (February 2). The complaint will be at 19h ET on BTN.