Here's what Mike Lucas had to say about Wisconsin's tough 72-66 road win at Iowa to open up Big Ten play on Friday night.
"Defensive rebounding was critical to UW rally in 2ndH. After Hawks took 61-60 lead, they had 3 empty poss & D’Mitrik Trice grabbed board on each. Finished with 7 rebounds (matched Happ). Brevin Pritzl was also factor on glass. Had big 1stH when Brad Davison was in foul trouble"
"It’s a developing trend; a good one. Despite falling behind at various junctures this is a UW team that punches back. Beyond grit/poise, there has been clutch shotmaking down the stretch. Tho they didn’t make it all the way back vs Virginia that too has bolstered their confidence"
"UW rotation was disjointed because of fouls. But nobody got rattled, another characteristic of this tm. No panic. No bigger 3 than the one by Pritzl (on feed from Happ) to regain the lead unless it was Trice’s 3 after Happ had fouled out. Davison had dagger free throws to seal W"