Keep Away

The Wisconsin Badgers are 19-4 this season, having lost twice in BT play to Purdue. I was in attendance for both contests, and I am clearly bad luck, that or the Badgers simply don't match up well with the Boilers. True, Purdue is a three-point loss at MSU from being undefeated in league play, so maybe the latter can be said about the rest of the league. From these eyes, the bigger Badgers, who vastly outrebounded the Boilers and kept the contest close at the FT line, match up poorly against a team with few post-up options, but a least four starters who can shoot from any place on the court.

Several culprits were at play on Saturday, a diversion from the loss two weeks ago when a late non-call should have sent the game into OT. First, the statistics are simple. The Badgers shot a season low 35% while allowing their opponent to eclipse 50% for the first time, with the Boilers shooting a blistering 55%. This was a product of our bigs' failure to show off screens, a overall lapse in closing out shooters along the arc, and the mismatches the ensued off of defensive switches.

Should we face the Boilers at the BT tournament in Indy, my suggestion would be to begin the game with a smaller line-up with either JaBo or Leuer on the floor. Bring Butch and Stiemsma in the game when the match-up warrants, but Landry can handle the Bosnian just fine thank you, and Krabby can contain Hummel. Butch simply cannot defend short of occasional shot blocks, and this is the reason Bo keeps him on the pine late in close contests.

Two, Travon Hughes had a horrible game at the point. He contributed little in the form of dribble penetration, thus the dearth of open shots along the perimeter, and turned the ball over in self-inflicted fashion on too many occasions to count. One fast break late in the game summarized the team's struggles. Hughes had a two-on-one that he tried to finish himself instead of drawing the defender and kicking to his trailer for a layup. Purdue grabbed the rebound, hoisted it downcourt for an easy layup of their own, then drained a 3 on the ensuing possession. Down 9, it was over for all intents and purposes.

Three, Purdue plays a physical, grab and hand check defensive style that kept the Badgers going to the FT line, but even though the team shot a season-high percentage, coupled with 20 turnovers, they were trading 2's and blanks for 3's on the other end. The Boilers simply cannot be beaten with this aggressive style coupled with money ball shots all over the court.

Looking ahead, the Badgers face a tough road, especially should they lose on Wednesday at IU. MSU should give Purdue another run for their money tomorrow, and the Boilers still must travel to Bloomington themselves. Anything more than 3 losses in the league will probably end the Badgers' title hopes, with the championship seemingly safe somewhere in the Hoosier State. Bucky will win at home next Saturday against the Gophers, with the home game against Penn St. and road contest in Evanston seemingly gimmes. On the road at UI and OSU will be tough, along with the Kohl Center matchup with Sparty.

Needless to say, Bucky went from inside position of the front row to the outside at best by failing to hold court at home. Counting on the young Boilers to stumble is poor planning, for Bucky must take its collective fate back and win in Bloomington. Saturday's disappointing loss need not break this team; it can be reborn on Wednesday with a second blow to the Hooisers.