For the first time in program history, Wisconsin will be taking part in the Legends Classic in Brooklyn as the Badgers will play Richmond in their opening round game. It will also mark the first time Wisconsin has played Richmond since 2004 when the Badgers beat the Spiders 76-64 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament in Milwaukee.
In this Badgers Wire feature, we will look at the three keys or questions for Wisconsin as they prepare to play Richmond.
LAYUP: WISCONSIN’S ABILITY TO PROTECT THE BASKETBALL
In four of five games played by Wisconsin, the Badgers have committed at least 11 turnovers. The exception being against McNeese State when they had nine turnovers.
In order for Wisconsin’s offense to have success against Richmond’s defense, which is allowing opponents to shoot 44 percent (109-for-248) from the field the Badgers are going to need to do a good job of taking care of the basketball.
Considering Richmond on the year is forcing their opponents into an average of 14.8 turnovers a game. In particular, where the Spiders are having success is by creating steals as 35 of the 59 turnovers they have created have come off of steals. Jacob Gilyard has been responsible for 16 of the 35 steals for Richmond.
Due to Wisconsin’s inability to effectively take care of the basketball at times this season has allowed for their opponents to average 11 points off of turnovers. With Richmond scoring at least 87 points in all four of their games this year the Badgers can’t afford to give the Spiders any points in transition or extra offensive possessions.