Wisconsin started slow for another game this week. Maryland took a lead heading into halftime at the Kohl Center. Wisconsin turned it around in the second half for the second straight game. Wisconsin got some heat in the latter part of the Nebraska game earlier this week, and the same thing happened against Maryland. Brad Davison and Aleem Ford found the fire in the second half helping Wisconsin win their fifth straight Big Ten game. Badgers look safely in the NCAA Tournament, and there is an outside shot for them to win the Big Ten.

Player of the Game: Brad Davison – We all know about Davison’s defense, but he has been showing off on offense of late. Davison finished with a team-high 21 points with four made threes. Davison was on fire in the second half from three. Davison made three 3-pointers and made the difference in this game. Wisconsin flipped the score very quickly due to Davison and Ford. He did a nice job in the first half too being one of the only Badgers scoring in the first half.

Silver Star: Ethan Happ – Another big game for Happ. He is going to probably win Big Ten Player of the Year, and this is another game to submit to his tape for that honor. Happ scored 18 points, eleven rebounds and six assists in an efficient night. One of the bigger developments in Happ’s game is his ability to pass from the post. To me, that might be the thing that gets him drafted since he cannot shoot threes or anything from deep.

Thing I liked: Near no turnovers basketball – Wisconsin prides themselves on being a turnover-free team. For a bit of this season, Wisconsin struggled with turnovers for some odd reason, and they turned it around of late. Wisconsin only had four turnovers for the entire game. That’s very impressive, and that’s how you can come back in a basketball game. Turnover-free basketball means you’re making the most of every possession.

Thing I didn’t like: They need to start faster – Wisconsin cannot come out slow in the games that are upcoming on their schedule. If they do, the game will be over before everyone gets comfortable in their seats. Badgers seemed to wake up in second half versus being ready to roll in this one early on. Maryland led by nine points at certain points of the first half, and that is near danger zone for a team like Wisconsin.

Next up: Wisconsin takes on Minnesota on Wednesday where revenge will be on their minds. Golden Gophers stunned Wisconsin at the Kohl Center in January. Right now, the Gophers are pretty comfortably in the tournament, but a sweep against Wisconsin would sweeten their resume. Badgers need this game with trips to Michigan and Michigan State looming after this matchup with the Gophers.

Charlie.