The Wisconsin Badgers are around a seven point underdog as they travel to Arizona for their Saturday matchup.Having rewatched some of the more recent games, this Wisconsin Badgers team is playing well and peaking at the right time for their upcoming test against an Arizona squad that has not yet really earned their top status in the nation.
Wisconsin Badgers More Battle Tested
It’s understandable why the undefeated Arizona team is currently ranked number 1., but this is largely due to their highlighted Cameron Indoor road win over Duke earlier. While it is always good to beat any Duke squad, at this point of the season, the Blue Devils have showed that they are not a top 10 team as of now.
Their only other quality win was a close victory against a struggling Michigan State team. Aside from those two, their wins have largely come from running up the score against lesser competition. Some of the more recent teams that they have faced and beat by over 25 points include the following; Colgate, UT Arlington, Belmont, and Southern U.
Meanwhile Wisconsin has played a good Marquette team that they dominated, and then the same Michigan State team on the road. Having these be their most recent games, the Wisconsin Badgers are playing their best basketball right now against better competition.
Wisconsin Badgers Style Of Play
An area that the Badgers can really take advantage of is how they are playing as a team right now. Arizona will look to run the floor with big man Motiejus Krivas especially looking for early easy opportunities off of rebounds. This will need to be a defensive focus for all Wisconsin bigs in particular to pay attention to, Arizona likes to try to push the pace.
In general with Oumar Ballo, or Krivas in the game, they look for the center to clog the lane, and protect the rim. Steven Crowl will be able to stretch the floor with his shooting ability. Because this is not how Arizona is used to playing defense, Crowl will be able either shoot relatively open looks, or open up opportunities for his teammates.
Individually Arizona have good defenders, where they run into trouble, and where Wisconsin can take advantage is on switches, and screens. The Arizona defenders can be caught ball watching, and often will attempt to double the ball handler on any given possession.
There will be great opportunities for Chucky Hepburn, and AJ Storr to take advantage of any lapses, and to show their ball handling and vision to control the game for the Wisconsin Badgers.
Wisconsin Badgers Bottom Line
This kind of game can really be a great matchup fit for Max Klesmit. Because of the periodic holes in their defensive assignments, and how they protect the paint, this will likely be another high scoring night for Klesmit.
Against these Arizona players, even when you play perfect contesting defense, they will be able to individually score points. But with Wisconsins’ team defense, and ability to force tough shots, they will be able to limit this to date high scoring offense.
Against a collapsing, at times not as disciplined defense, this game will be a great opportunity for some of the Wisconsin sharp shooters from the perimeter.
1 Comment
Whatever makes you feel good Gabriel. Personally, I think you’re already suffering from NE brain freeze. No worries, Arizona will gladly add you to the list of bad teams they beat. Merry Christmas!