The Wisconsin Badgers basketball team appears to have overcome their recent three-game losing streak, claiming their fifth consecutive victory on Friday, largely thanks to Steven Crowl’s strong performance.
The Badgers overwhelmed the Minnesota Golden Gophers, winning 80-59, with Crowl leading the team with an efficient stat line of 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Since their last defeat, the 7-foot center has consistently scored in double digits, a change that followed his coach Greg Gard’s remarks about his need to be more aggressive on the boards.
After a loss to Illinois on December 11, Gard expressed frustration, noting Crowl’s lack of rebounds: “How do you have no rebounds?” he said.
Instead of responding to Gard’s criticism verbally, Crowl has let his performance on the court speak for itself. Since the coach’s comments, the Badgers have enjoyed a winning streak, with victories over Butler, Detroit Mercy, Iowa, Rutgers, and Minnesota—each by double-digit margins.
During this stretch, Crowl has averaged 16.6 points and 6.4 rebounds. Gard is known for being straightforward, critiquing poor performances while also acknowledging solid play. After the win against Minnesota, he commended Crowl, stating, “He was a grown man. He understands how good he can be when he’s aggressive. The shift in his rotations has helped, and he’s also been assertive and dominant in his own way. It’s great to see.”
Next, Crowl and the Badgers will face the Ohio State Buckeyes.
