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How No. 16 Wisconsin made a statement in upset win over No. 7 Purdue
Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje. Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

How No. 16 Wisconsin made a statement in upset win over No. 7 Purdue

No. 16 Wisconsin shot lights-out and took care of the ball in an impressive road win over No. 7 Purdue, 94-84, on Saturday.

The Badgers shot 32-of-52 (61.5%) and hit 12 of their 30 three-point attempts while only committing three turnovers the entire game. 

Wisconsin entered Saturday 90th in the country averaging 46% from the floor, making its outburst even more impressive.

Senior guard John Tonje had a team-high 32 points (10-of-15 FG, 4-of-9 3PT), including this pair of step-back triples.

The efficiency and lack of turnovers were instrumental in the team's 58-point second half. Aside from Purdue junior Trey Kaufman-Renn (30 points, 12-of-16 FG), the Badgers held everyone else in check.

The Badgers are averaging 10.2 made threes a game, so the shot-making from deep has been there all season. On Saturday, Wisconsin went beyond its average and converted at a higher rate as well, which bodes well for its success going forward.

Wisconsin (20-5, 10-4 Big Ten) is the first Big Ten program to win 20 games this season, which speaks to the consistency on the team and the remarkable job that head coach Greg Gard has done. 

With four straight wins and four players averaging at least 10 points each game, the Badgers are a legitimate threat, especially if the offense maintains its efficiency from Saturday.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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