January 21 wasn’t Wisconsin Badgers day, but it was Sebastian Mack day as the UCLA Bruins sophomore helped his team they stopped their guests’ seven-game winning streak.
Mack, who scored just seven points in his team’s victory over Iowa, he scored 19 points in the victoryseven of which came in the final four minutes and 21 seconds as the Badgers tried to take control.
Wisconsin’s John Blackwell, who has emerged as a natural scorer this season, has nothing but praise for the 6-foot-3 point guard.
“He’s just a good player. He’s an asshole,” Blackwell said.
“He’s physically strong and he knows how to do it, drawing fouls. This guy is a tough defender, you just have to keep him in front and show him your hands.
Mack’s spot-on shooting left the Badgers feeling exhausted as they were already dealing with Aday Mara, who himself had a good day for the Bruins.
Mara scored 22 points, well above his average of 4 points per game.
The Bruins’ starting five also performed well, led by Tyler Bilodeau, who started on a hot streak early in the second half, finishing with 16 points.
John Blackwell on the Wisconsin Badgers’ missed game-winning shot
It’s not like everything went the Bruins’ way in the game. In fact, coach Greg Gard’s team almost stole the game in the final seconds.
If only Blackwell had made the right decision.
With 30 seconds left, with the Bruins leading 82-80, the Badgers moved to the ball looking for a good shot. However, he made a mid-range jump that was only blocked. He was forced to foul Skyy Clark, who converted both of them.
Gard said that wasn’t the shot they were looking for.
Blackwell is now aware and takes responsibility.
“I just saw everyone was tight, Kles (Max Klesmit) was tight,” Blackwell said. “I took it upon myself. I want to take the last shot and I know how to take the blame if I don’t take the last shot. I know the guys trust me to take the last shot.
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