Wisconsin Basketball Is March Madness Worthy, Beats UCF

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kedrick Stumbris | Last updated Nov 23, 2024 2:40 PM ET

Wisconsin basketball fans might have vague memories of a special 2014-15 college basketball season. That season, the Badgers won the Big Ten by two games, won the Big Ten Tournament, and knocked off a previously unbeaten Kentucky Wildcats team in the Final Four en route to the national championship game.

On Friday, Wisconsin defeated the UCF Knights 86-70 in the opening round of the Greenbrier Tip-Off. Four Badgers scored in double-figures, and five recorded three or more assists in an impressive all-around effort to extend UW's unbeaten streak to six games to open the season.

The last time the Badgers started 6-0? The 2014-15 college basketball season.

Does UW's impressive start to the season automatically make it a Final Four contender? Of course not. However, it gives fans plenty to be excited about after prognosticators did not have high hopes for the Cardinal and White this season.

Nolan Winter Records First Career Double-Double for Wisconsin Basketball

After a first-half technical, an early foul called against him in the second half, and eventually fouling-out, Badgers starting center Steven Crowl sat on the bench for much of the contest. That left sophomore Nolan Winter to take care of business in the frontcourt.

The Lakeville, Minnesota native delivered in a big spot. With a career-high 28 minutes, Winter recorded his first double-double with 13 points and ten rebounds (five offensive). Winter showcased his impressive versatility from backing defenders down in the post and executing in the pick-and-roll to connecting from range.

Athlon Sports and All Badgers contributor Kedrick Stumbris breaks down the big win for Wisconsin basketball, what it means for their NCAA Tournament chances, and previews a big weekend ahead for several Wisconsin Badgers programs: