Nebraska suffered an 8-point loss to Indiana at home on Saturday marking the third loss in a row by the Cornhuskers and their fourth loss over their last five games. Although Nebraska has had its struggles this year the Cornhuskers have yet to win a road game as they are 0-5 and have lost each road game by an average of 11.8 points per game.
In this Badgers Wire feature, we will look at the three keys or questions for Wisconsin as they prepare to play Nebraska on Tuesday.
LAYUP: THE PLAY OF WISCONSIN’S BENCH
Wisconsin didn’t receive much production from its bench in the loss to Michigan State. As the bench only contributed eight points their fewest since also scoring eight points against North Carolina State. In addition, they also combined for 11 rebounds, one assist to five turnovers, and two steals.
In order for Wisconsin to control the game throughout against Nebraska, the bench is going to need to be more consistent than what they were against the Spartans.
Micah Potter and Brevin Pritzl have been Wisconsin’s two most consistent scoring options off the bench. Pritzl has led Wisconsin’s bench in scoring in eight different games this year while Potter has led Wisconsin’s bench in scoring over the last four games.
Pritzl over Wisconsin’s last two non-conference games against Tennessee and Rider combined to score 28 points on 10-for-17 shooting from the field. But over the Badgers last five games, he has only scored a combined 24 points.
Pritzl has continued to hit the boards for Wisconsin though as his 60 rebounds lead the bench. Tyler Wahl isn’t far behind with 52 rebounds and between the two they have combined for 74 defensive rebounds.
The production Wisconsin receives from its bench and its ability to protect the basketball while its out there will give Wisconsin a good chance of making sure Wisconsin is able to stay in control of the game.