Coming off a win against a 71-63 win against a good Northwestern team Saturday, Wisconsin basketball goes back in the road for a battle against Penn State tomorrow night. The Nittany Lions are coming off a 95-78 loss to Purdue on Saturday. Penn State currently sits at 8-9 overall and 2-4 in the Big Ten.
Can the Badgers stay unbeaten in conference play tomorrow? Here is a preview of tomorrow’s game. Tip time is 8 PM on BTN.
Wisconsin Basketball Has to Limit Turnovers
The Badgers were pretty careless with the basketball in the first half Saturday. Despite Northwestern being in second place in the Big Ten, Wisconsin basketball should have had that game out of reach by halftime. However, their poor play with turnovers allowed the Wildcats to stay in the game longer than they should have.
The Nittany Lions force 17 turnovers a game. They forced Northwestern, the best team in the Big Ten taking care of the basketball, to 18 turnovers, but still found a way to blow a double digit lead in the second half.
Penn State also averages 11.5 turnovers a game, so they do it enough too. Wisconsin needs to be strong, especially in the paint. Anytime Steven Crowl or Tyler Wahl get the ball, expect Penn State to be all over them. The Wisconsin basketball posts need to stay patient and have eyes on open players around the perimeter.
Another Great Guard Combo
Wisconsin basketball has had to deal with good guards all season. They will get another two good ones tomorrow. Sophomore Kayne Clary is one of the best scoring point guards in the country at almost 19 points a game. He has a sweet jump shot and is similar to Boo Buie as he is always moving around.
On the other hand, senior guard Ace Baldwin Jr averages 13 points a game and is a steals machine. He has recorded eight steals in a game already this season. The VCU transfer is good late in games and it gives the Nittany Lions multiple threats. Expect the Badgers guards to have their hands full again tomorrow.
Prediction
This game does have feelings of a trap game. I don’t expect a big crowd especially for a 9 PM EST tip time. Smaller crowds are hard especially as a road team as you can’t generate your own energy from the home crowd.
Wisconsin basketball needs to be careful as they are playing some of the best basketball in the country. They have been efficient on both sides. They have been a little sloppy the last two games, but they have played so well in the second halves of the conference season.
I think this will be a game that will be close at halftime, but I expect the Badgers to close this out in the second half. I think AJ Storr will be a matchup problem for the Nittany Lions. Penn State is also 113 in the latest KenPom rankings. Their best win of the year is probably Ohio State where they won by three at home.
Kayne Clary and Ace Baldwin Jr are two legitimate guards and I think this will be a fun matchup all night. I expect them to get their buckets, but I like Max Klesmit, Chucky Hepburn, and Kamari McGee to make plays when needed.
This will be a close game, but I think Wisconsin basketball pulls away with another late game run. Give me the Badgers in a road win tomorrow.
Wisconsin 76 Penn State 69
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