Dec 10, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgrtfsd players react on a score during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
There are some underlying positives to take from the game. First, the Badgers continue to be balanced offensively with Max Klesmit, Nolan Winter, John Blackwell and John Tonje all in double figures.
Another positive sign is the play from top bench contributors Kamari McGee, Carter Gilmore and Jack Janicki.
The trio combined for 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists on 6-of-10 shooting. Gilmore specifically stood out, continuing his strong start to his senior campaign. Gard even said postgame that he needs to ‘find more minutes for [Jack] Janicki’ and was complimentary of Gilmore’s continued contribution.
It’s hard for Gard to take any of his top contributors off the court, especially as several of them play strong basketball. But he does have the luxury of the replacements all playing at the top of their respective games.
