The Wisconsin Badgers will face off against another tough test this season, except this time it is in the form of a strong conference opponent.
The Badgers are set to play against the Michigan Wolverines in the Kohl Center tomorrow, Tuesday, in a game that should deliver fireworks. All together, the two teams are rather evenly matched with the Wolverines averaging roughly five-points less per game, but recording more blocks, steals, assists, and rebounds. Wisconsin will have to play the best basketball they can in order to walk away with their first conference victory of the 2204 season.
Wisconsin Badgers Keys to Victory Against Michigan #1: Stop Danny Wolf in the Paint at All Costs
The Michigan Wolverines have a few key players who really contribute to the team each game and have proven themselves to be great players. One such member of the Wolverines is 7-foot tall center Danny Wolf, a transfer into the program from the Yale Bulldogs.
Wolf has been nothing short of exceptional for the Michigan Wolverines this season and while he may not be blowing up the stat sheet, Wolf is doing enough to win games. The center has three double-doubles in seven games this season and is coming off of a 20 point, 14 rebound performance against Xavier. Wolf currently is averaging 10.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.7 blocks/steals per game.
The center is a very solid big man who can play the high pick-and-roll for the offense when needed, attempting nearly three long-range shots per game. Wolf is athletic and quick, which has led to his impressive steal and block numbers on the defensive side of the ball. If the Wisconsin Badgers do not slow down Wolf in the paint where he is most effective, it will be a long night on the boards.
Wisconsin Badgers Keys to Victory Against Michigan #2: Prevent Tre Donaldson From Running the Offense
While the junior guard Tre Donaldson may not pop off of the stat sheet as a real threat to opposing teams on the court, the guard is an accomplished player.
Donaldson is a true court general point guard that distributes the basketball and attacks the rim when needed. The guard is currently averaging 13 points, four assists, and just one foul per game as he plays intelligent basketball. Donaldson does not turn the basketball over often and has a great passing ability on the court.
The Michigan Wolverines like to take what the defense gives them and whether that means they are playing up-tempo basketball or holding onto possession, the team can get it done. Donaldson is the leader of the offense and the player who the rest of the team looks towards to run the offense fluently.
Donaldson is an accurate shooter who will pick his spots and can also attack the rim with incredible athleticism. The former Auburn Tigers guard also signed onto the program as a safety for the football team, but since opted to play basketball. If the Wisconsin Badgers allow Donaldson to move the basketball, it could be a pretty tight contest.
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