MADISON, Wis. – John Tonje had a career-high 41 points – two short of Wisconsin’s record – to lead the Badgers No. 9 Arizona 103-88 on Friday evening.
Wisconsin (4-0) never trailed, and fans stormed the Kohl Center field after the final horn.
Tonje shot 8 for 14 from the floor, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range, and was 21 for 22 at the foul line. His 21 free throws set a school mark.
Wisconsin’s scoring record is held by Frank Kaminsky, who attended Friday’s game as part of a ceremony honoring the Badgers’ 2014 and 2015 Final Four teams. Kaminsky scored 43 against North Dakota on Nov. 19, 2013.
Jaden Bradley had 22 points, Trey Townsend added 17 and KJ Lewis 15 for Arizona (2-1). John Blackwell scored 14 and Max Klesmit 13 for Wisconsin.
Wisconsin raised a banner with former coach Bo Ryan’s name from the rafters of the Kohl Center at halftime. Ryan was inducted inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame last month.
Takeaways
Arizona: The Wildcats couldn’t overcome a tough night preseason Associated Press All-America guard Caleb Love, who shot 2 of 13 and scored six points before fouling out with 4:57 left.
Wisconsin: After blowing an 18-point lead, Wisconsin wasted no time regaining control as the Badgers avenged an attack. 98-73 loss to Arizona last season.
Key moment
Arizona rallied to tie the score at 65 with 14:13 left on Lewis’ layup that capped an 8-0 run. Blackwell put Wisconsin back ahead for good with 13:36 remaining. After Lewis’ tying goal, Arizona missed its next six field goal attempts.
Key statistics
The game featured a total of 63 fouls (32 by Arizona) and 87 free throws. Wisconsin was 41 of 47 from the line. Arizona was 28 of 40.
Next
Arizona will host No. 6 Duke next Friday. Wisconsin hosts Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Monday.
