Wisconsin Badgers returned to the Kohl Center with a couple extra notches higher in the Top 25 as well as a successful trip to the Bahamas. They did not get a cupcake though. Instead, Wisconsin took on North Carolina State in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. NC State hadn’t lost this year, and they were up on the Badgers for most of the game. Wisconsin battled back with key defensive plays and big shots to find a way to win 79-75 in a very impressive win for the Badgers.

Player of the Game: Brad Davison – Look man, I’m not a Badger fan, so, you will not see him saying those were all charges. But Davison is the reason they won this game. He gave the team a great deal of momentum down the stretch and ignited the crowd with his play. He scored 12 points in the game, but what’s more importantly is what he did on the defensive side of the ball. The man will be the most hated player in college basketball, and I’m here for it.

Silver Star: Aleem Ford – There are a variety of guys who could bestow this honor but let’s give it to Aleem Ford. He added some true scoring off the bench for the Badgers. Ford finished with 12 points on four made threes with three of them coming in the second half. Wisconsin finally started seeing some production off their bench, and Ford played a large part in that. He could be a difference maker for this team.

Positive: Never seemed worried late – The really good Wisconsin teams had a knack for always seeming like ‘We got this game’ no matter what the score was at the time. I had that feeling watching this game down the stretch. Wisconsin didn’t seem overly concerned they were down by double digits, or it took some time to regain the lead. Badgers never panicked. They played their game, and that proved to be enough.

Negative: Free throws, free throws – Brutal stuff from Wisconsin. They’re going to have this to be their killer all season. Ethan Happ missed five free throws. D’Mitrik Trice missed two down the stretch. Wisconsin is very lucky that this didn’t come back to haunt them. We’ve seen some bad free throw outings from Wisconsin this year. Now, some of that is Happ-influenced, but they have to get better at the line.

Next up: Wisconsin heads to Iowa for an early season Big Ten showdown with the Hawkeyes. That will take place on Friday, November 30th. It’s a good way for Badgers fans to start their weekend considering they do not have football to fill the void.

Charlie.