Nolan Winter shines as Wisconsin defeats Butler in tight game
- Nolan Winter excelled with a double-double, helping Wisconsin secure a comfortable win.
- The Badgers led throughout the match, demonstrating strong rebounding and teamwork.
- This victory wrapped up their nonconference schedule before returning to Big Ten play.
In Madison, Wisconsin, on December 22, 2024, the Wisconsin Badgers faced off against the Detroit Mercy Titans, concluding their nonconference schedule with a commanding 76-53 victory. The Badgers, now sporting a record of 10-3, showed their strength on the court, particularly in the first half. Nolan Winter, the standout player, contributed significantly with a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. His performance helped Wisconsin establish a solid lead, which they maintained throughout the game. Steven Crowl also made a notable contribution, adding 15 points to the team's total. The match was characterized by a remarkable teamwork display from the Badgers. They dominated the boards against Detroit Mercy, out-rebounding them 50-34. This advantage on the glass helped Wisconsin control the tempo and rhythm of the game. By the five-minute mark of the first half, the Badgers had already taken the lead and never looked back. A significant moment of the game came when Winter hit a 3-pointer that sparked a 33-20 run, extending their lead to 39-26 by halftime. In the second half, the Badgers pushed their advantage to as much as 30 points. On the other side, despite the loss, Detroit Mercy's Grant Gondrezick II and Orlando Lovejoy each scored 20 points, but they received little support from the rest of the team. The Titans managed to produce just 13 points from their remaining players, a statistic that highlighted their struggles throughout the match. Shooting deficiencies were evident, as they collectively shot poorly from beyond the arc, going 5 for 27 in comparison to their established offensive capabilities. After this victory, Wisconsin is set to take a break during the holiday season before transitioning back to Big Ten Conference play. The Badgers have proven themselves a formidable team in their preparation for tougher competitors ahead, showcasing their scoring ability, depth, and strong defensive strategies. With their solid performance against Detroit Mercy, they instill confidence moving forward as they aim to improve their chances in conference play come January.