3-POINTER: WISCONSIN HAS TO BE ABLE TO DEFEND THE PAINT
Wisconsin over their last three games has been to easy to score on in the paint as over that stretch the Badgers are allowing 34 points a game.
Break that number down a little farther and over the last three games, 49.7 percent of the points Wisconsin has allowed have come around the rim.
That has to stop for Wisconsin’s defense but they will get a tough first test against Iowa. Considering over the Hawkeyes current four-game winning streak they’re averaging 29.5 points a game in the paint.
One of the reasons for Iowa’s success on offense this season and around the hoop is the play by Luke Garza. Garza is averaging an impressive 28 points per game, which leads the conference and is shooting 54.9 percent from the field.
Reuvers will need to be able to bring his A-game defensively in order to try and slow down Garza around the rim. Reuvers is averaging 1.6 blocks a game over Big Ten play and his ability to contest shots by Garza will be critical in order to make his field goal attempts more difficult.
Garza’s ability to be so effective down low has also played a reason as to why the Hawkeyes have been able to shoot the basketball effectively from three. If Wisconsin can do their best of containing Garza and not allow him to generate second chances as the Hawkeyes are averaging 12.4 offensive rebounds over Big Ten play Wisconsin will give themselves a chance at winning on the road.