Takeaways from Wisconsin's blowout Big Ten Tournament win over Maryland (2024)

Mar 10, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard watches the game from in front of his team bench during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin’s foot was on the pedal from the opening tip of today’s game. The Badgers shot 51.7% from the field and 64% from three, sprinting to the easy victory. Wisconsin fans watching received flashbacks to January when this team was dominating opponents and ranked No. 6 in the nation.

That was what it looked like. The Badgers would play good enough defense, while overwhelming teams on the offensive end.

Greg Gard agrees with the thought, saying so postgame:

Mar 14, 2024; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) celebrates his three-point basket against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Let me be clear: “That Badger team” means the one that showed up today, the one that emptied its bench with nine minutes remaining as its lead approached 40.

When clicking on all cylinders, this group boasts dependable playmaking in Chucky Hepburn and Tyler Wahl, an inside-outside threat in Steven Crowl, a dynamic scorer in A.J. Storr and terrific depth options in John Blackwell and Max Klesmit.

If Wisconsin replicates today’s performance for the next few weeks, it will make a deep run in March.

Wisconsin guard Max Klesmit (11) misses a three-point basket during the second half of their game Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Maryland 74-70.

Wisconsin’s two losses to Purdue showed what happens when the team plays well, yet misses shots in key moments. The combined tally was 8 of 43 (18.6%) from three in the two losses, including 5/24 in the most recent contest.

Today, Wisconsin shot 64% from beyond the arc. Crowl went 3/3, Storr went 2/4, Hepburn was 2/2, Klesmit was 1/2, Blackwell was 4/6, Essegian was 2/4 and even Carter Gilmore cashed one in.

That’s the difference between pure dominance and losing narrowly, which means this team can still be really good if it makes shots at an average rate.

Mar 7, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) reacts to causing a turnover against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin dearly missed John Blackwell when he missed time at the beginning of February. He’s now back, and quickly emerging as one of the better players in the Big Ten.

The freshman scored 18 points off the bench in Thursday’s win, including five rebounds and 4/6 shooting from three. He is only a freshman and is already one of Wisconsin’s top offensive options entering postseason play.

MADISON, WISCONSIN – MARCH 02: Connor Essegian #3 of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts after hitting a three-point shot during the second half of the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Kohl Center on March 02, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

Connor Essegian has barely played this season as Wisconsin’s rotation deepened after last season and as Greg Gard asks for more on the defensive end.

Well, Wisconsin may still need his spark.

Essegian quickly scored nine points off the bench on 3/5 shooting and 2/4 from three. Those nine points came in only five or six minutes, showing the spark he can provide if the team needs it.

I predict he will play a role in future postseason contests.

Mar 2, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard looks on during a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the second half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports

I enjoy this part of the big performance: most of the over-the-top Greg Gard criticism will subside for at least a few days.

I’m never a believer in making massive decisions based on one or two postseason games, but Wisconsin continuing to win should quell all of the doubts in him as head coach.

Mar 14, 2024; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nolan Winter (31) celebrates his basket against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports