The Wisconsin Badgers played an opposing team that was able to dwindle the lead down a couple of times. For the most part they were able to make sure that the game finished as a comfortable win. Having just lost, looking outmanned against the Arizona Wildcats, it was important to get back into the winning column tonight.
Wisconsin Badgers Frontcourt
The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Jacksonville Sate Gamecocks 75-60. Throughout the game it was clear that they were looking to take advantage of matchups with their bigs. To reflect this approach, their major scoring advantages took place at the line and by scoring points in the paint.
The Wisconsin Badgers doubled up Jacksonville State, 40 to 20 off of their interiors scoring. And while they were a little less efficient, they had 18 more attempts, than Jacksonville State from the free throw line, going 18 of 26 for these uncontested points.
This approach allowed Steven Crowl to finish with a near double double, as he ended the game with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Defensively, they did a nice job of limiting the opposing bigs, as their highest frontcourt player only had 10 points. It was nice to see him catch and shoot open three point shots. He looked in rhythm and confident shooting it from out there. Even though he only went one for three from beyond the arc, if teams have to honor his deep shot, it will only lead to good outcomes down the road if he is able to stretch the floor.
Wisconsin Badgers Positives
The guards did a nice job of creating turnovers and giving extra opportunities for their frontcourt teammates. The Wisconsin Badgers finished with 10 steals. They also did a nice job of limiting Jacksonville State possessions by taking care of the ball, only turning the ball over 8 times.
Chucky Hepburn had another night with zero turnovers as a ball handler. He finished with 7 points, 4 assists, and 5 steals.
This team remained consistent in their offensive approach, not settling, being aggressive and getting fouled. Two players went perfect from the line. Tyler Wahl finished with 16 points, helped by going two of two with his free throws. AJ Storr went five of five from the charity stripe, finishing with 13 total points.
Wisconsin Badgers Areas Of Concern
The team really will not be able to rely on drawing up low post back to the basket plays to score points. While Steven Crowl needs to continue to grow in this area of his skillset, at this stage his low post play is not developed enough or fast enough to be a consistent threat. Especially against the athletic frontcourts of the Big Ten, this approach will not lead to a smooth flowing offense.
An issue that continues to show up for the Wisconsin Badgers is three point shooting. The starting guards went a combined one of seven from three. Shooting as a team, the Wisconsin Badgers, shot 31.3% from three on 16 attempts. This team needs to find some sort of rhythm from beyond the three point line.
At this point, this Wisconsin Badgers team is defensively ahead of their offense. Their aggression, and help support will need to be leaned on as they attempt to find a little more of a rhythm offensively.
On a night that was a frustrating night offensively, you want to see players that are averaging over 20 minutes a game to be more consistent in the final box score. Hopefully they are able to get some of their shooting woes out of their system on December 22, against Chicago State.
