Montana State vs Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Badgers basketball team claimed a solid 79-67 victory over Montana State on Thursday, improving to 2-0 early in the 2024 season. The home crowd at the Kohl Center witnessed a dynamic performance from Max Klesmit, whose sharp shooting propelled the Badgers to their second consecutive win.

First Half: A Balanced Offensive Approach

Wisconsin came out with a well-rounded offensive game plan, focusing on attacking the rim and maintaining efficiency from beyond the arc. Early on, the Badgers prioritized high-percentage plays, leading to several trips to the free-throw line. John Tonje was instrumental in this strategy, earning nine free-throw attempts in the first half and converting eight. Wisconsin shot an impressive 12-for-13 from the free-throw line before the break, extending their season-long success rate at the stripe.

Montana State kept the game close for most of the opening period, with the teams exchanging runs. Yet, thanks to a late surge, Wisconsin entered halftime with a 39-33 lead. The Badgers made five of their ten three-point attempts, with Klesmit hitting three from deep in the first half alone.

Second Half: Wisconsin’s Key Runs Seal the Win

Coming out of the locker room, Wisconsin quickly set the tone with an 8-0 run, highlighted by two three-pointers from Klesmit, to stretch their lead to double digits. Klesmit, who finished with a game-high 26 points, continued his hot hand in the second half, adding three more three-pointers to his tally. His energy and sharp shooting helped Wisconsin maintain momentum, as he shot a sizzling 6-for-9 from beyond the arc for the night.

John Blackwell and John Tonje also contributed 13 points each, while Kamari McGee scored 11, showcasing the depth of Wisconsin’s offense. McGee made his presence felt as a spark plug off the bench, converting key layups and making crucial plays at the rim.

Efficiency and Free Throws: Critical Factors for Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s dominance at the free-throw line continued to be a defining element of their success. The team shot 20-for-21 from the charity stripe, boosting their season average to a near-perfect 97.3 percent. Their ability to capitalize on free throws and attack the paint paid off, as they scored all but four points at the line, on layups or dunks, or from three-point range.

Overall, the Badgers’ shooting efficiency was evident, as they finished with a 45.3 percent field goal percentage and shot 50 percent from three-point range. Defensively, Wisconsin out-rebounded Montana State 32-27 and minimized turnovers, only committing 11 compared to the Bobcats’ 14.

What’s Next for Wisconsin?

With this win, Wisconsin has started the season 2-0 for the fourth time in five years. Up next, the Badgers will face Appalachian State in their third consecutive home game at the Kohl Center on Sunday, November 10, at 11 a.m. Central Time.

Wisconsin fans have reason to be excited as their team continues to build chemistry and showcase an improved offensive rhythm, especially with Klesmit’s shooting and the team’s all-around free-throw mastery.