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MID-RANGE: CAN WISCONSIN LIMIT ILLINOIS ON THE OFFENSIVE GLASS?
Illinois over Big Ten play has been terrific attacking the glass as they’re averaging 44.8 rebounds a contest, which is tied for first with Michigan State.
In particular, the Illini have done a good job of cleaning up their missed shots as the Illini over conference play is averaging 14.3 offensive rebounds a game, which is the second best mark in the Big Ten.
The team that ranks first in offensive rebounds per game is Indiana at 14.7 a game but in the Badgers Big Ten opener against the Hoosiers, they held them to 10 offensive rebounds.
Can Wisconsin hold Illinois below what it’s averaging on the offensive glass during Big Ten play? If they do it will begin with Nate Reuvers, Micah Potter, and Tyler Wahl finding ways of coming up with a rebound once a shot goes up by Illinois.
Reuvers has either led or tied for the team lead in rebounds in eight games this year, while Potter and Wahl have either led or tied for the team lead in rebounds in two games this year.
Wahl was terrific in this area against Ohio State as he was able to come up with multiple critical rebounds whether that was on the offensive or defensive glass. Wahl’s 44 rebounds off the bench lead the team while Potter’s 17 ranks third most off the bench.
Wisconsin’s frontcourt is going to need to box out Kofi Cockburn who’s averaging 3.8 offensive rebounds over conference play. If the Badgers can limit his effectiveness it will go a long way in making sure the Illini can’t settle for high percentage shots around the rim.
If Wisconsin can eliminate Illinois post touch opportunities by limiting their chances of consistently getting an offensive rebound it will force them to settle for jump shots. An area where Illinois has struggled at times this year as the Illini are shooting 39.4 percent (98-for-249) from the field over Big Ten play, which ranks 12th.