Game recaps from March 14 to 24
The Herd went 3-2 in a week (or slightly more) that started poorly but ended well. With just two games to go, they sit very close to clinching a playoffs spot, but it’ll be tight.
Wisconsin Herd vs. Cleveland Charge: LOSS (106-108)
- Jamaree Bouyea: 15 points, five assists, 6/10 FG, 3/6 3FG
- Stanley Umude: 17 points, 7/17 FG, 3/9 3FG
- Terence Davis: 17 points, 7/17 FG, 3/10 3FG
- Henry Ellenson: 10 points, 4/9 FG, 0/2 3FG
Wisconsin really threw this game away, being up 19 at one point. This was the first time I’d watched a full game with Jamaree Bouyea on the team and, man, he’s just good. You can never speed him up, he gets to his spots at his own pace, and also has sneaky athleticism. Bouyea gets it on the fast break and, despite his relatively small stature, easily dunks over bigger players. Umude started off well but faded in the second half of this one.
Wisconsin Herd vs. Long Island Nets: LOSS (97-101)
- Justise Winslow: 27 points, 11 rebounds, 11/16 FG
- Henry Ellenson: 29 points, 18 rebounds (eight offensive) 13/28 FG
- Stephen Thompson: 18 points, five assists, 7/17 FG, 2/7 3FG
The Herd nearly pulled this one out, but not quite enough. No Milwaukee Bucks players in this one as Umude and Bouyea (how’s that for a law firm title) joined the Bucks on their West Coast road trip. However, this opened the door for NBA veteran Justise Winslow to show what he has been working on—and that he did. 27 and 11 on efficient shooting is what will get him another NBA opportunity. Ellenson also racked up the points despite not having the most efficient night, but good to get going again after a rough last game.
Wisconsin Herd vs. Long Island Nets: WIN (113-101)
- Henry Ellenson: 26 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, 9/19 FG
- Stanley Umude: 21 points, 8/15 FG, 3/6 3FG
- Stephen Thompson: 21 points, 8/14 FG, 3/5 3FG
- Jamaree Bouyea: 18 points, four assists, 7/13 FG
Wisconsin exacted revenge in the second game of the baseball series between these two squads with some of their Bucks talent returning. I did get to watch this one in full, and it was quite a good game. Both teams went blow for blow for most of the night, but the Herd were just a little better in the end. Pretty solid outing for Stanely Umude, and I continue to be impressed by Jamaree Bouyea and his ability to create so effortlessly. Stephen Thompson popping up to provide supplementary scoring makes this team really hard to beat.
Wisconsin Herd vs. Grand Rapids Gold: WIN (92-87)
- Henry Ellenson: 24 points, nine rebounds, 10/19 FG
- Jamaree Bouyea: 22 points, four assists, seven rebounds, 9/14 FG
- Stanley Umude: three points, 1/9 FG, 1/7 3FG, three turnovers
Well, my Stanley Umude agenda took a hit in this one. Goodness me. On the plus side, Jamaree Bouyea saved the day with an efficient 22-point performance. The dude just exudes competence, and you can see why he’s gotten so many two-ways with NBA franchises. And finally, Ellenson was just too big for Grand Rapids’ front line, beasting in the paint for most of the night.
Wisconsin Herd vs. Grand Rapids Gold: WIN (140-107)
- Terence Davis: 44 points, 16/22 FG, 12/16 3FG
- Stephen Thompson: 25 points, six assists, 9/16 FG, 5/7 3FG
- Henry Ellenson: 24 points, nine assists, nine rebounds, 10/18 FG, 3/6 3FG
HOLY TERENCE DAVIS! Well, if anyone is wondering how to score 140 points in a basketball game, how about going 56/89 (62.9%) from the field and 23/40 (57.5%) from three. With none of the Bucks guys there for this one, TD had the green light. I admit, I’ve not loved Davis’ play this year, but he didn’t last that long in the NBA for nothing. And even better for TD was hitting those 12 threes. His NBA chances will largely rest on his ability to shoot efficiently from the land of plenty.
The Herd are currently 8th in the Eastern Conference with a 17-15 record. Teams must make the top six to qualify for the playoffs.