In the six games since Purdue (14-12, 7-8 Big Ten) beat Wisconsin (15-10, 8-6) the Boilermakers have gone 3-3, which includes losing their last two games to Penn State and Ohio State as both teams beat Purdue by double digits. This will also mark Purdue’s third road game over the last 10 days too as they look to go for the season series sweep against Wisconsin.
In this Badgers Wire feature, we will look at the three keys or questions for Wisconsin as they prepare to play Purdue on Tuesday.
LAYUP: WISCONSIN’S ABILITY TO PROTECT THE BASKETBALL
When you play Purdue one thing you can expect to happen is to be facing a tough Boilermaker defense. A defense that will get after you on the offensive end and try to create turnovers.
That strong defense Purdue has displayed over conference play has allowed for the Boilermakers to force their Big Ten opponents into 13.1 turnovers a contest, which leads the league.
Not to mention Purdue has done well of not turning the basketball over as they have posted a plus 2.3 in turnover margin during conference play, which ranks second.
In the first meeting between the two teams, Purdue forced Wisconsin into 11 turnovers and since the Badgers lost to the Boilermakers they have only turned the ball over an average of 9.2 times a game.
Wisconsin will need to do well of taking care of the basketball and not allow the Boilermakers an extra offensive opportunity as the Boilermakers have done well of cashing teams mistakes into points as they’re averaging 14.8 points off turnovers on the season.