Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard does not mince words when discussing loss to Providence

Wisconsin Badgers suffer 72-59 loss to Providence; Coach Gard highlights team's lack of effort and poor execution.

Nov 14, 2023; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard AJ Storr (2) goes for a lay up during the second half against the Providence Friars at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports / © Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The Wisconsin Badgers' recent game against the Providence Friars was more than just a defeat; it was a comprehensive outclassing that ended in a 72-59 loss. This game was not just about the score but about the evident lack of effort from Wisconsin, a point head coach Greg Gard stressed while speaking with reporters after the game.

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Greg Gard Speaks the Truth

Coach Gard's frustration post-game underlined the issues that go beyond mere skill and strategy. The team's lack of effort was glaring, with Providence outplaying them in hustle plays, diving for loose balls, and knocking down crucial shots.

“Credit to Providence. They kicked our ass, so we’ll see how we respond to it. But they played hard. We didn’t play hard enough all the time in the show, playing hard covers up wards and I thought they did a good job,” Gard said.

“Made some plays, knocked down shots, but gave them confidence. Loose balls that we don’t get to, we don’t dive on, they get a three. Just hustle plays like that. But that was evident early and by the time we started to figure it out, we were in too deep a hole.”

“A lot of the things that we just talked about and just was evident early play right in front of me that I recall at the start, we knocked it loose from Hopkins on a dribble. It’s what we wanted to do. And the ball’s bouncing, rolling around and we don’t dive on it and they get a three,” Gard said.

“That in one play was very indicative of how the rest of the night went.”

Urgent Need for Improvement

This loss is a wake-up call for the Wisconsin Badgers. As they face a pivotal point in their season, the team must address the evident gaps in effort and execution. With a game ahead against Robert Morris, Wisconsin must use this defeat as a learning experience. The focus should be on cultivating a stronger drive and improving fundamental aspects of the game. The team's response to this setback will be crucial in determining their trajectory for the rest of the season.

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