After a convincing win in their season opener Monday, Wisconsin next faces the Stanford Cardinal. This is a part of the Brew City Battle. This game will takes place at American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Wisconsin women first battle Kansas State at 3:30. The Men will play at 6:30 on FS1.
Stay Hot From Three
It was a little surprising, but Wisconsin shot 12-26 from three against South Dakota. I say that’s surprising because they struggled to shoot the three in the Red-White scrimmage and in their exhibition. For a team that was not good behind the three last season, it was a breath of fresh air to see threes go in as often as they did. The Badgers also looked confident and didn’t hesitate when they were open.
Wisconsin won’t shoot almost 50% from three in every game. They do need to work the ball inside more often. However, if they can keep opponents honest from three, it will open up their game inside with Tyler Wahl and Steven Crowl. If the Badgers can shoot similar to what they did from three Monday, they should pull out a win.
Defend The Top Player
Wisconsin struggled with South Dakota’s Kruz Perrott-Hunt early Monday. He had 17 points in the first half and kept the Coyotes in the game by himself. However, Perrott-Hunt only scored four in the second half.
Stanford senior guard Michael Jones recorded 31 points against Pacific Monday. It was a great game and a great start. He was a threat from all parts of court. At 6’5, I could see Max Klesmit draw first assignment on Jones. If Jones is playing good, we could see players such as Chucky Hepburn, Tyler Whal, or Jordan Davis take a crack at Jones.
How Much Offense Can We Expect?
We hear about teams not shooting well in football stadiums. The depth perception is different and it can take time to get used to. I am not sure if I’ve heard of a college basketball game in a baseball stadium. American Family Field can seat over 40,000 people. When depth perception is off, that tends to lead to less offense.
The good news? Wisconsin has a good defense and I think they can rely on that if the ball doesn’t go in early on. Stanford did give up 78 points to Pacific. I am not sure on Stanford’s defense so that will be something to monitor if offense becomes a problem.
Prediction
It’s really hard to judge two power five teams after one game and they defeating mid-major teams. The season is so long and you’re not really sure what you have yet. While you only have a little bit to work with, I do know that Wisconsin;s defense is good. I know that if offense becomes a problem, the Badgers can rely on defense.
Keep an eye on Stanford 7’1 sophomore Maxime Raynaud. He recorded 22 points on 9-11 shooting Monday. Height wasn’t a problem for Steven Crowl as he was only guarding players about 6’8 or shorter. Crowl did have problems getting into foul trouble last season with players his size. Can he stay on the court?
I don’t see a ton of offense in this game. I think both teams might struggle to get in a offensive rhythm. However, it will be a neat atmosphere and I expect a ton of Badger fans.
I like Wisconsin in this contest. Stanford traveling cross country for an area that is a baseball stadium might be too much. I think Chucky Hepburn and Tyler Wahl both have good games and I think the Badgers make some free throws at the end to seal the deal.
Wisconsin 64 Stanford 60
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