MID-RANGE: CAN WISCONSIN CRASH THE OFFENSIVE BOARDS?
With Michigan State doing well of holding their conference opponents and making them work for each shot they take it will be important that Wisconsin finds a way of generating second chances.
During conference play, Michigan State has allowed 65 offensive rebounds as the chances of creating that extra offensive possession will be there it’s a matter of taking advantage.
Nate Reuvers, Tyler Wahl, and Kobe King have been the three who have been the most consistent in being aggressive and attacking the glass once a shot goes up. As Reuvers leads the team with 25 offensive rebounds, Wahl has 22, and King has 21.
Wisconsin is coming off their win against Maryland after collecting four offensive rebounds their fewest since registering three against Rutgers.
If the Badgers can’t consistently generate a second chance it will be difficult for Wisconsin to get into a consistent rhythm on offense. As the Badgers will need to be able to strike a balance on offense as they’ll need to be able to knock down their three’s in order to try and draw some defenders out of the paint.
The Spartans lead the Big Ten in blocked shots per game at 6.5. Wisconsin at times this season has struggled to consistently convert around the rim and due to the Spartans having plenty of shot blockers the Badgers ability to knock down their jump shots should help open up higher percentage shots around the rim.