Wisconsin Badgers had their second straight major conference opponent come to town when Oklahoma came on Saturday afternoon. Many people had eyes on the football team’s date with Penn State later in the day, but the basketball team reminded everyone that they will be here for everyone once their season is over. Badgers whupped Oklahoma to the tune of 90-70 and continue to build a strong non-conference resume. Nigel Hayes carried the water in this one.

(Sorry this is late. Didn’t plan it that way, but life gets in the way sometimes.)

Have a week, Nigel Hayes
After Hayes had a near triple-double on Wednesday night, he finished with 28 points with six assists and took over the game in the second half. This is the type of offensive game Wisconsin wants from Hayes with almost all of his baskets coming inside the three-point arc. He went 8-for-13 from the field, knocked down two threes and got to the line 13 times making 10 free throws. If he plays like this, people can forgive the lack of shooting at the next level.

Second half blowout trend
For the second straight game against a major opponent, Wisconsin blew out their competition in the second half. Oklahoma had a three point lead at the break. Wisconsin made some second half adjustments and blew the doors off Sooners outscoring them 53-30. Greg Gard deserves some credit for making key second half adjustments leading to these crooked final score numbers.

D’Mitik Trice, Wisconsin’s sixth man?
Keep an eye on this guy on D’Mitik Trice as he could be the key piece off the bench that makes Wisconsin the type of team that win multiple games in March. Trice had a career-high 16 points off the bench with four made threes. Trice adds an element of shooting and tough-nose defense off the bench. Also if Trice continues to produce, he gives Bronson Koenig the ability to rest more often.

Turnovers were at a minimum
Wisconsin is still having some issues with turning over the ball, but that wasn’t the case on Saturday. They only turned the ball over five times, and that’s a good sign for upcoming Big Ten season. Badgers have been a little loose with the ball against better competition, and Saturday, they showed a different sign.

Player of the Game
Hayes (Wisconsin) / Rashard Odomes (Oklahoma)- We already talked about Hayes, but he can be a Big Ten Player of the Year plus make a run at National Player of the Year if this kind of play continues from him. Rashard Odomes provided 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting giving Oklahoma a nice boost as Jordan Woodward didn’t do much. That’s a season-high for Odomes.

Next up
Badgers are home Tuesday to take on the lowly Idaho State Bengals who have started the year 1-7. They aren’t good. It should be a nice tune up before Marquette on Saturday.

Charlie.