The Badgers men’s basketball team played well enough to defeat the Montana State Bobcats 79-67 at the Kohl Center Thursday night, behind a steady offensive output led by senior guard Max Klesmit. Wisconsin improves to 2-0 on the season.
After a sloppy first half, Wisconsin started off the second half strong to build a lead they would hold onto for the rest of the game. But an experienced Montana State refused to make things easy for the Badgers, keeping the game within 17 points and pulling within 10 with under three minutes left.
Klesmit led Wisconsin offensively, riding a hot shooting hand en route to score 26 points, shooting 7-15 and going 6-11 from three. Guard John Blackwell continued his solid start to his sophomore season, scoring 13 points on 4-13 shooting, to go along with six rebounds and two steals. John Tonje used a strong 8-9 showing from the free throw line to add 13 points to the board.
Wisconsin was bolstered hugely by a strong all-around showing from back-up point guard Kamari McGee. McGee scored 11 points in 28 minutes off the bench, tying his Badger-career high.
Contributing on both sides of the ball, McGee’s progression in his time at Wisconsin has become obvious.
“You’re seeing the evolution and maturity of a player that has done a really good job for us,” head coach Greg Gard said post-game. “He’s been a steadying influence. He changes the game with his defense, he changes the game with the pace he comes with the ball.”
Montana State, projected to win the Big West Conference after an NCAA Tournament appearance last season, received double-digit contributions from four different players. But the Bobcats couldn’t find a true offensive rhythm.
Wisconsin led 39-33 at halftime, trading baskets with the Bobcats for much of the first half. Montana State hit seven first-half threes, keeping Wisconsin’s defense on edge and the game close.
But a Badger-barrage of free throws gave Wisconsin the lead with four minutes left in the half, one they would never relinquish.
Over the course of almost five minutes, Wisconsin did not make a field goal. Yet in that same stretch, they scored 10 points from the free throw line, taking the lead and building a seven-point advantage. Tonje scored eight points from the line in that stretch.
Through two games, the Badgers have made an emphasis on getting to the free throw line. Thus far, they are 36-37 from the charity stripe as a team.
“Whatever we can do to get free points from the line, we’re trying to do,” Blackwell said post-game.
To start the second half, Wisconsin benefitted from two quick Klesmit threes, extending their lead into double-digits.
After struggling in the season opener Monday night, Klesmit caught fire on Thursday, proving that when hot, he is a player that can lead Wisconsin’s offense. Klesmit’s scoring outburst further highlights the diversity of Wisconsin’s offense
“You know he’s not gonna go 1-7 very much,” Gard said, referencing Klesmit’s Monday three-point statistic. “But, obviously, he gets into that rhythm and he’s such a competitor. It was good to see him make some shots.”
Wisconsin’s lead stretched to 15 mid-way through the second half. It would stay in that general vicinity the rest of the night.
Against a mature and battle-tested Montana State, Wisconsin continued to move in the right direction.
Through two games, Wisconsin leaves plenty of room for improvement. But in opening the season with consecutive victories, the Badgers are successfully working out the kinks with a new squad.
Wisconsin will play Appalachian State on Sunday, before a showdown with No. 10 Arizona on Friday, Nov. 15.
