Drake Diener Makes Professional Debut

CASTELLETTO, Italy - The Wisconsin men’s basketball team finished its exhibition tour with a perfect 5-0 record, defeating Castelletto Ticino 83-74 today. The Badgers trailed 59-52 entering the fourth quarter but opened the frame with a 15-2 run to take control. Alando Tucker led the Badgers with 20 points while guards Kammron Taylor and Michael Flowers scored 15 points apiece.

Despite shooting just 10-of-27 in the first half, Wisconsin was able to keep the game close, trailing just 37-33 at halftime. Drake Diener, a former standout at DePaul, led all scorers with 24 points in his professional debut for Castelletto Ticino.

“Drake did a really good job attacking our defense,” Wisconsin Coach Bo Ryan said. “It was really nice to see him back and to see his parents Dick and Sara. It’s amazing what basketball can do to keep families together. After struggling with some health issues I was happy to see him back on the floor playing the game he loves.”