The Best Offense in the Big Ten

File this under the heading "looks can be decieving." According to tempo-free statistics,
Wisconsin had the best offense in the Big Ten during conference play. The Badgers scored 1.08 points per possession (PPP), edging out MSU by 0.02 PPP.

The reason that Wisconsin wasn't able to crack the top 3? Its defense -- which was fifth best in the conference, allowing 1.00 PPP. The three teams that finished ahead of Wisconsin all allowed less than 0.95 PPP. For comparison sake, Wisconsin allowed 0.83 PPP over the course of the 07-08 season and was ranked second in the nation in defensive efficiency.

In my mind, the drop-off in defensive efficiency can be tied to the graduation of Flowers, Butch and Steisma. The sophomores and juniors on this year's squad have not been able to step up and fill the big shoes of the departed players. If Wisconsin is going to make a run in the Big Ten Tourney and the Dance, the defensive play must get better.