Wisconsin basketball returned home for the first time in 10 days last night. They played host to the Western Illinois Leathernecks. The Badgers used balanced scoring and continues their solid play on the defensive side. At the end of the day, it was a 71-49 win. Here are three takeaways from the win last night.
Wisconsin Basketball Did The Little Things Right
I don’t think Wisconsin basketball did anything flashy last night, but they did the little things correct. They shot 13-16 from the free throw line, only committed eight turnovers, and won the rebounding battle. It seems simple, but these are the little things that will show in the box score and make a difference.
The Badgers also took an early second half punch from Western Illinois. After a 35-19 lead at half, the Leathernecks went on a 15-7 run to trim the lead to 42-34. The Badgers responded back fast and took the game out of reach shortly after.
These next three games are going to be brutal for Wisconsin basketball. They will take a number of punches over the course of those games. It was encouraging to see them take one, albeit a bad team. That will only help the rest of the way.
Balanced Scoring Is Their Best Offense
I think the Badgers struggled early in the year how they wanted to distribute the basketball. We saw AJ Storr take a ton of shots while players like Steven Crowl and Tyler Wahl hardly shot the ball.
Over the last four games, we have seen a more balanced offense. It was included last night when Steven Crowl, AJ Storr, and Chucky Hepburn all had 13 points to least the team. Tyler Wahl chipped in 12 as well.
Include Max Klesmit, Connor Essegian, and John Blackwell and you have seven players who can potentially lead this team in scoring any given night. It’s a great problem to have if you execute it properly. Some of the best Wisconsin teams over the last 20 years have taken this approach and it worked. I think this is the recipe for this team to be successful.
The Three Game Gauntlet Starts Saturday
Last night was about taking care of business and preparing for their three game gauntlet on the schedule. It will begin Saturday when Wisconsin basketball hosts #3 Marquette. They will then have road games at Michigan State next Tuesday and #4 Arizona next Saturday.
To survive this, you have to be playing well on both sides. Right now, Wisconsin basketball is doing that. The offense has not been a problem outside the Providence game, but the defense has improved a lot over the last two weeks. If they are going to get a win or two in this stretch, they have to play well on defense, especially on the road.
I think the Badgers win either the Marquette or Michigan State game, but it’s hard to see them going on the road to Arizona and beating the Wildcats.
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