Wisconsin was without starting guard Max Klesmit against Minnesota. His usual 30-plus minutes game were divided between Kamari McGee, Jack Janicki and Markus Ilver. Gard going deeper into the bench, which he isn’t often forced to do, continued to display the team’s impressive depth.

McGee was fantastic in Klesmit’s usual starting role, totaling 15 points, five rebounds and three assists on five-of-10 shooting. Transfer forward Xavier Amos delivered an important boost in the first half, finishing the contest with four points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Ilver showed his shooting range in limited minutes, tallying six points and two rebounds on two-of-three from deep.

Overall, Wisconsin got solid contributions from nearly every player off the bench. With Klesmit out, everybody else stepped up in a big way.

Previous Wisconsin teams have struggled mightily when a key starter misses time. This team seems well-equipped to weather injuries and absences. Gard has done a terrific job building and developing a deep roster of contributors.