Slow First Half Dooms Rhody Against #13 Wisconsin

Rhode Island Starters
Fatts Russell, Jeremy Sheppard, Antwan Walker, Malik Martin, Makhel Mitchell

Wisconsin Starters
D’Mitrick Trice, Aleem Ford, Micah Potter, Brad Davison, Nate Reuvers

How it Happened
Rhode Island could not overcome a rough first half as its three-game winning streak was snapped by No. 13 Wisconsin, 73-62, Wednesday afternoon.

After Rhody (3-3) scored the first points of the game on a Jeremy Sheppard floater, Wisconsin (4-1) had 10 unanswered points. Brad Davison hit three 3-pointers to key the run. With the Badgers forcing Rhode Island into 11 first-half turnovers, Davison outscored the Rams 17-16 in the first half. His outburst helped Wisconsin take a 33-16 lead into halftime.

Despite a better offensive showing in the second half, Rhode Island could not fight its way back into the game. The Rams opened the second half making 5-of-7 from the floor, but Wisconsin was even better. The Badgers started the half 7-of-11 as a team, pushing their lead to as many as 22 points.

Rhody kept fighting, and a 9-0 run managed to trim the deficit to single digits. A Sheppard 3-pointer with 5:17 to go made the score 60-51. Another Sheppard 3-pointer moments later kept the run going as the Rams got within eight points. That was as close as Rhody got, as Wisconsin held off the rally attempt.

Inside the Box Score
Rhode Island had 11 first-half turnovers, helping Wisconsin to a 15-0 advantage in points off turnovers before the break.
Both teams struggled offensively in the opening 20 minutes. The Rams shot 25.9 percent (7-of-27), while Wisconsin was slightly better at 33.3 percent (10-of-30).
Rhode Island was 3-of-13 from 3-point range. After going 0-for-8 in the first half, Rhode Island finally connected with 11:02 remaining on a trey from Jeremy Sheppard. The Rams were 3-of-5 in the second half.
Redshirt junior Antwan Walker had four points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots before fouling out.
It was his second game with 10+ rebounds. Walker had 11 against San Francisco on Nov. 29.
Senior Jeremy Sheppard was the lone Ram in double figures, scoring 13 points. He had 11 after halftime.
Redshirt sophomore Jalen Carey had nine points and five boards.
Sophomore Makhel Mitchell had eight points and six rebounds.
Sophomore Makhi Mitchell had eight points and an assist before fouling out.
Senior Fatts Russell had eight points and five rebounds.
Up Next
Rhode Island will hit the road again for a game at Western Kentucky on Sunday, Dec. 13. Game time is set for 12 p.m. on CBSSN.