Three Wisconsin Takeaways: Badgers still waiting for their key veteran to heat up

MADISON, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin needed time to put away its first two mid-major opponents in the opening week of the college basketball season. It was a different story to start week two.

A 22-0 run, combined with solid play on both ends of the court, set the tone for the season’s best all-around performance, a stress-free 89-42 win for Wisconsin over Fairfield at the Kohl Center on Tuesday.

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After two games scoring in the 70s with single-digit wins, Wisconsin (3-0) delivered its biggest margin of victory in a decade, with stellar defense and an explosive offense, even though its best offensive player continues to stay relatively quiet.

“To get out on the jump like that and never look back is a good feeling,” said sophomore Zach Kinziger, who finished with a career-high seven points. “After having some closer games to start, it feels good to put it together a little bit on both ends.”

“Now we just got to keep taking steps forward. It’s no looking back.”

Here are my takeaways.

Offense sparks because of defense

Wisconsin’s defense will be tested more than it has been so far. However, the Badgers are laying the groundwork for a team that will be physically and mentally tougher than a year ago and harder to score on. That mindset should lead to offense. It did Tuesday in a gigantic way.

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Wisconsin had its best shooting game this season from the floor (51.8), from three (42.3), and from the line (74.1). Six UW players shot at least 50 percent from the floor, and the team got 47 bench points, 24 more than it scored in the first two games combined.

That success correlated to the work on the defensive end. Wisconsin spent most of the first half limiting offensive rebounds and pushing the ball in transition. UW was +13 on the defensive glass, which led to a 19-2 edge in fast-break points.

“That’s when we are at our best,” forward Austin Rapp said, “and it showed.”

It’s not like the Badgers picked on a lowly mid-major either. Fairfield is expected to win…

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Publish date : 2026-11-11 06:36:00

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