MID-RANGE: CAN WISCONSIN’S DEFENSE CONSISTENTLY CONTEST PURDUE’S SHOTS
Purdue has struggled offensively over Big Ten play at times as the 61.9 points they average ranks last and are shooting an average of 37.4 percent (189-for-506) from the field, which ranks 13th in the conference.
Making it important that the Badgers are able to find a way to contest each shot the Boilermakers attempt in order to prevent them from simply shooting in rhythm.
Against Nebraska, on Tuesday night the Badgers were poor defensively at times with their help defense, which allowed for the Cornhuskers to generate easy looks for themselves around the rim or creating open jump shots.
Simply put that can’t happen again on Friday.
Wisconsin’s ability to be active on the defensive side of the floor and the ability to fight through screens will go a long way in disrupting Purdue’s offense.
After not registering a block in their win over Ohio State the Badgers in their last five games have combined for 17 blocks. Overall, the Badgers are averaging 3.4 blocks over conference play.
Nate Reuvers is responsible for nine of those blocks. Reuvers ability to play strong post defense and not get into foul trouble will help take away two of Purdue’s top three leading scorers in Trevion Williams and Matt Haarms as the two are averaging 11.3 and 10 points per game respectively.