(UW ATHLETICS) MADISON – Wisconsin ran its record to 2-0 with a 73-64 pull-away win over Delaware Friday night at the Kohl Center. Guards Owen Foxwell and Braeden Carrington each scored 16 points as Wisconsin used 10 3-pointers and stingy defense to grab the win.
Newcomer Victory Onuetu collected his first double-double as a Badger with 11 points and 11 rebounds helping Wisconsin to a 28-16 scoring edge in the paint.
Nolan Winter and Eian Elmer each tallied 11 points as Wisconsin boasted five players in double figures for the first time since January of last season. Foxwell led the Badgers with six assists and is now averaging 6.5 per game in his young career.
Carrington’s big night marked back-to-back standout performances to open the season after posting 15 points in Monday’s season-opening win. The fifth-year guard is averaging 15.5 ppg on the season shooting 7-for-17 (41.2%) from 3-point range.
“This team is built different [from last year.],” head coach Greg Gard said after the game. “These people are in different roles. I know last year’s team could score. This team will score. I think we will be better offensively.
“We’ve really harped on and emphasized the defensive end and I think they understand that and they embrace that.”
Wisconsin has now won 21 consecutive non-conference home games dating back to 2023, equaling the longest-active streak in the Big Ten and the fourth-longest in UW history.
With the game tied at 35-35 early in the second half, a Carrington 3-pointer – one of his four on the night – ignited a Badger run to break the game open. Foxwell scored seven straight points as part of a 12-2 run as the UW defense held Delaware without a field goal for a span of 4:53.
“I feel like once we get on a string and those high low passes inside get better and better, we score more points,” Foxwell said. “I think our defense has been good through the first two games and can always be better but offense I think will come along nicely soon.”
Last season, the Badgers set a Big Ten-record, averaging 11.7 made 3-pointers per game. Friday night, Wisconsin picked up right where it left off, going 10-for-30 from long range while turning it over just eight times.
UW limited the Blue Hens to just 35.6 percent shooting on the night and owned a 42-32 advantage on the glass, including 12 to 6 on the offensive end.
Wisconsin trailed 26-25 with 3:30 left in the first half, Jack Janicki provided the spark on the defensive end. The junior forced a turnover in the post that led to a three-point play at the other end from Onuetu to help the Badgers regain the lead. Wisconsin would close the half on a 10-2 run to gain a 35-28 halftime cushion and never trailed again.
Up Next: Wisconsin continues its homestand with a matchup against Fairfield on Tuesday night. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Kohl Center and the game will air live on Big Ten Network.
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