Evanston, IL — “I’m f****** pissed,” Nigel Hayes told Wisconsin-based reporters after the Badgers lost another close game 70-65 against Northwestern.
Northwestern jumped out to a quick start, as point guard Bryant McIntosh lead the Wildcats out to a 12-5 lead by the first media timeout. The sophomore, who came in averaging 15.4 points and 7.2 assists per game, was making the Badgers guess with his dual-threat quarterback style passes or teardrops. Wisconsin responded, however, making 8 of 10 buckets during a long stretch. At the half, Wisconsin trailed 26-24, shooting 47.8% and scoring 10 of their 11 buckets on assists. The Badgers were 11-15 inside the arc in the first half, and 2-8 outside the arc. Northwestern only shot 45.8%, struggling from outside the arc with a 2-9 showing in the first 20 minutes.
In the second half, Wisconsin was shooting the ball effectively to start off, passing the ball well against the Wildcats’ zone. It was just about dead even for 14 minutes, before Northwestern pulled away and finished the game in control for the last 3:43, leading by at least five until the finish. Nigel Hayes did all he could down the stretch, scoring 17 points, collecting six rebounds, and dishing out six assists. But, it was McIntosh who was too much for the Badgers to handle. The sophomore had 28 points and killed Wisconsin down the stretch with his overall game.
After playing very well defensively in recent games, the Badgers faltered defensively, giving up 30 points in the paint and 22 free throws. “Defensively, I thought we were not as sharp, not as in tune,” Wisconsin interim head coach Greg Gard said after the game. “It wasn’t the most cerebral game we’ve played.”
Northwestern head coach Chris Collins was impressed with Wisconsin’s team tonight and in recent games. “What you’re seeing now is they’re getting back to Wisconsin basketball,” Collins said. “I think they’re playing well.”
But, Wisconsin’s players are sick of hearing they’re getting better, even with losses. Hayes was animated after the game, interviewing for five minutes full of leadership and some NSFW words. Hayes said he told the team after the game that they have to be embarrassed. The team responded with silence, but Hayes said he thought he got his message across.
“I’ve never been one to go around yelling, or try not to cuss,” Hayes exclaimed. “But, if that’s what it takes to get my guys and myself to play better.”
“Some guys have to do some soul-searching,” Hayes explained later. “Find out why they play the game and what they want out of this.”
Hayes continued, “It’s gotta come to a point where you have to have pride and represent yourself first and often when you’re out there, your teammates, your family, Wisconsin, the program itself, the people that played here before.”
Despite Hayes’s sentiments, he did say that the coaching staff is great. This sounded like it was about the players executing. The coaches are some of the best in the country at preparing, but Hayes was putting it on his players that its time they rise to the occasion and get the job done.
Wisconsin lost its third Big Ten game in a row, moving to 1-4 in the conference. Losing and not pulling out close games has become the norm in the last month, and those used to winning, as well as young players coming from winning high school programs, are struggling it would appear.
“I’ve never been a loser in my life,” junior guard Bronson Koenig, who had 9 points and fouled out at the end of the game, said after the game. “I’ve always came from winning programs. The past two years, we’ve obviously won. It’s definitely new – most of us come from winning traditions.”
It doesn’t get any easier for the Badgers on Sunday. They welcome #4 Michigan State to the Kohl Center at 12:30 PM CT.
Photo: Associated Press / Matt Morton.