The University of Wisconsin men's basketball team continued their impressive start to the season, securing a convincing 79-67 win over Montana State on Thursday, November 7. Led by a standout performance from senior guard Max Klesmit, the Badgers showcased their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity, further solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the early stages of the campaign.

Badgers Flex Their Muscles in Decisive Home Triumph

Klesmit Shines Bright as Badgers Cruise to Victory

Senior guard Max Klesmit was the driving force behind the Badgers' success, delivering a masterclass performance that left the Montana State defense in disarray. Klesmit's scoring prowess was on full display, as he poured in a game-high 26 points, including an impressive 6-for-11 shooting from beyond the arc. The veteran guard also showcased his all-around game, contributing two steals and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.Klesmit's scoring outburst was complemented by solid contributions from his teammates. Sophomore John Blackwell added 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while senior John Tonje chipped in with 13 points and four rebounds. Despite a relatively quiet night on the scoring front, senior Steven Crowl made his presence felt with four rebounds and four assists, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.Freshman Nolan Winter also played a key role, finishing with six points, eight rebounds, a block, and a steal, showcasing his versatility and potential as a rising star. Kamari McGee continued to be a spark off the bench, providing 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists in 28 minutes of action.

Badgers' Balanced Attack and Stifling Defense Overwhelm Montana State

The Badgers set the tone early, with Crowl's emphatic dunk setting the stage for a dominant performance. Despite some initial offensive struggles, the team quickly found their rhythm, led by the hot shooting of Klesmit and the solid play of Blackwell.Wisconsin's defense also played a crucial role in the victory, as they tightened the screws in the latter stages of the first half, limiting Montana State's scoring opportunities. The Badgers' ability to force turnovers and limit second-chance points allowed them to maintain a comfortable lead heading into the break, with the score standing at 39-33 in their favor.The second half saw the Badgers continue to assert their dominance, with a highlight-reel dunk by Winter and Klesmit's scoring barrage extending their lead. McGee's aggressive drives and Blackwell's playmaking further opened up opportunities for the Badgers, who steadily built upon their advantage.The turning point came in the final minutes, as Blackwell's timely three-pointer and Klesmit's dagger from beyond the arc sealed the victory for the Badgers, who ultimately prevailed by a score of 79-67.

Gard Praises Badgers' Resilience and Maturity

Head coach Greg Gard was pleased with his team's performance, highlighting their resilience and maturity as key factors in the victory."It was a good win against a good team. I liked our maturity down the stretch," Gard said. "Kamari understands the importance of pace. You are seeing the evolution and the maturity."Klesmit, who had struggled with his shooting in recent games, expressed relief at seeing his shots fall early, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset."It feels good to see some threes go in. I don't get too down if I'm not hitting earlier," Klesmit said. "Basketball is like golf — shooters shoot."Blackwell, meanwhile, praised McGee's impact off the bench, calling him a "spark plug" and crediting the team's balanced approach in attacking both from three-point range and getting to the free-throw line.The Badgers will look to build on this momentum as they welcome Appalachian State to the Kohl Center on Sunday, November 10, with tip-off scheduled for 11 a.m.