Wisconsin's Andrew Rohde Ties Career-High in Assists vs. Northwestern
MADISON, Wis. — Coming off a 74-63 championship loss in the Rady Children’s Invitational, the Wisconsin Badgers had something to prove in their first Big Ten Conference game of the season. A second straight loss and one against a Power Four opponent would be extremely disheartening.
Fortunately, that feeling never crept in, as they’d rout Northwestern in an 85-73 home win on Wednesday night. A monster first half propelled the Badgers to a 6-2 record, winning their Big Ten opener.
Playmaking Was Key for the Badgers
A 55-32 halftime lead was supplemented by 15 assists for 17 baskets. But what was most impressive about the first 20 minutes was zero turnovers in that stretch. Wisconsin would only put up four assists and seven turnovers in the second half, but that stretch showed why Greg Gard’s offense is so elite.
The distribution was especially on display for Andrew Rohde, who put up nine assists to just two turnovers in 27 minutes of action. He shot 0-for-3 from the field for just three points, but the senior wing from Virginia tied his career-high in assists. It’s a mark that he has achieved just three other times.
Despite the low scoring from Rohde, he achieved another milestone in hitting 1,000 career points against the Wildcats. He was the second to do it on Wednesday behind John Blackwell, who tallied 26 points.
Rohde’s Big Night Propelled Wisconsin’s Offense
Rohde was instrumental in Wisconsin’s quick ball movement against Northwestern. He developed a great connection with Blackwell, finding him for beautiful back-to-back three-pointers in the first half.
Rohde hasn’t been much of a scorer, averaging just 6.3 points per game. But the 6-foot-6 wing has nearly posted a 3:1 assist-turnover ratio, averaging 2.9 dimes a night. He’s second in assists per game thus far, barely behind Nick Boyd (3.3).
Rohde was asked whether there was anything different about the offense that led to a career-high in playmaking. He noted how effective the ball screens were at stifling defenses and opening up opportunities for other players.
“Each game, guys are put in different situations,” Rohde said. “But I definitely was just looking to be more aggressive off the ball screens, looking to find ways I can create and find open spots for my teammates.”
Wednesday marked the sixth time in program history that the Badgers recorded zero giveaways in a single half. Their first turnover came with 13:25 left in the game, and they’ve cut such mark to 10.1 per game, the sixth-lowest rate in the Big Ten.
Interestingly enough, however, Wisconsin’s 15 first-half assists put them well on track to beat the season high (21 vs. Providence). However, the team finished with just 19 and committed seven turnovers in the second half.
Still, the Badgers are riding high on a great shooting night heading into Saturday’s in-state rivalry game against Marquette at the Kohl Center.
