3-POINTER: MAKING NOTHING EASY FOR INDIANA
The Badgers are going to need to be active on the defensive side of the floor and be able to contest each shot the Hoosiers attempt.
The Hoosiers are coming off their victory against Minnesota after shooting 50.8 percent (30-for-59) from the field. But in the two previous games, the Hoosiers didn’t shoot nearly that well as over that stretch against Purdue and Illinois they shot a combined 39-for-118 (33.05 percent) from the field as both games resulted in losses.
Over Big Ten play Wisconsin has allowed their opponents to shoot an average of 41.9 percent (455-for-1,087) from the field. But over Wisconsin’s current winning streak the Badgers have held four of their seven opponents to shoot 39 percent or less from the field.
One area where the Hoosiers did have success was inside the paint as they scored 30 points around the rim in the first meeting. The Badgers have allowed opposing Big Ten teams to have success around the rim but as of late the Badgers have done well of finding ways of contesting shots without fouling.
That is thanks to Nate Reuvers and Micah Potter as the two lead the team in blocked shots with 56 and 21 respectively. Potter didn’t play in the first matchup but he’ll be able to help limit the Hoosiers post touch opportunities and clean up the Hoosiers misses on the offensive end.
If Wisconsin wants to make sure the Hoosiers don’t shoot at least 50 percent from the field for a second consecutive game will begin with limiting their second chances to make sure they can’t generate an offensive rhythm.
If they can accomplish that it will help make sure Trayce Jackson-Davis can’t get a second chance as he leads the team in scoring over conference play at 13.2 points per game.