Wisconsin 87-84 UT Rio Grande Valley (19 Nov, 2024) Game Recap

First Half

Wisconsin and UT Rio Grande Valley traded baskets back and forth in the first half, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. Wisconsin took a 42-40 lead into halftime, thanks to a late three-pointer by guard Chucky Hepburn.

Key Stats

• Wisconsin shot 50% from the field, while UT Rio Grande Valley shot 45.5%.
• Wisconsin outrebounded UT Rio Grande Valley 22-18.
• Hepburn led Wisconsin with 10 points in the first half.

Second Half

Wisconsin extended their lead to 10 points early in the second half, but UT Rio Grande Valley fought back to tie the game with just over 10 minutes remaining. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, but Wisconsin was able to make key plays in the final minutes to secure the victory.

Key Stats

• Wisconsin shot 47.1% from the field in the second half, while UT Rio Grande Valley shot 42.9%.
• Wisconsin outrebounded UT Rio Grande Valley 20-16 in the second half.
• Hepburn led Wisconsin with 15 points in the second half.

Postgame

Wisconsin coach Greg Gard was pleased with his team's performance, especially their ability to make plays down the stretch.

"We made some big plays when we needed to," Gard said. "We got some key stops on defense and made some big shots on offense. That's what it takes to win close games."

UT Rio Grande Valley coach Matt Figger was disappointed with the loss, but he praised his team's effort.

"We played hard and competed," Figger said. "We just came up a little short tonight. We'll learn from this and get better."

Conclusion

Wisconsin's victory was their second in a row and improved their record to 2-1. The Badgers will next host Creighton on November 22.