Wisconsin Badgers had their eyes on person coming into the game against the Indiana Hoosiers and for Max Klesmit, he thinks they were able to fulfill that job.
Redshirt senior Oumar Ballo was a force to be reckoned with this season despite his team’s average record. He averaged 16 points in their last four games but against the Badgers, he struggled big time, scoring just four points.
The reason behind his struggle is the Badgers’ exploitation of the very thing that made him very productive – his effort.
According to Klesmit, they used Ballo’s minutes on the court against him.
“That was something that was part of the game plan. We had to jump on them tonight,” the starting guard said.
“Ballo, these last five of six games, has been averaging 35, 36 minutes, so we knew a way to tap into his legs was to play at a faster clip.”
While that is the focus, Klesmit also revealed that last win against Northwestern Wildcats was imperfect and they decided to learn from it.
“But I think we learned from the last game. Northwestern was a flatter start. Teams aren’t just going to hand it out and give it to you. You have to make sure everyone is ready off the rip.”
The win puts Badgers fourth in the overall standings.
Max Klesmit’s leadership highlighted
Wisconsin Badgers produces a different hero every night. Most of the time, it is the scoring prowess of John Tonje and John Blackwell or the dominance and I.Q. of Steven Crowl.
The other night, it was Carter Gilmore’s relentless. Against Indiana University, it was Klesmit’s leadership.
The senior guard hogs the spotlight this time with his demeanor on the court that kept the team from collapsing.
The fifth year guard scored 13 points, provided six assists, and was terrific on defense with his three steals.
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Coach Greg Gard would not let his efforts go unnoticed.
“He does a lot of the little things that help us win,” Gard said.
“Just the emotional leadership that he brings. I thought he was a big part of our start not only offensively but defensively.
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