Offense: D
Wisconsin used a strong start to the second half to chip away at a 15-point halftime deficit. As the Badgers were able to cut the lead to as little as six points at 39-33 with 15:41 to go in the game.
It appeared Wisconsin’s offense was starting to get into a rhythm in the second half as the Badgers were able to generate quality looks for themselves as Nate Reuvers made three consecutive three’s to cut into the Spartans lead.
Wisconsin needed to start the second half strong in order to give themselves a chance of winning. Considering in the first half the Badgers shot 29 percent (9-for-31) from the field.
Despite Wisconsin starting 5-for-6 from the field in the second half the way the Badgers shot the basketball in the first half, it was unlikely the Badgers were going to be able to maintain that kind of shooting. The Badgers closed the second half by shooting a combined 7-for-22 from the field only to see the Spartans re-extend their lead back to double-digits.
The length by Michigan State at times bothered Wisconsin as the Spartans were able to consistently contest Wisconsin’s shots around the rim as the Badgers finished the game with 22 points in the paint. Fourteen of those 22 points came in the first half though.
Wisconsin didn’t have much success from three either as Wisconsin finished the game 4-for-19 from three. The four made three’s tied for the fewest made over conference play since Wisconsin’s loss to Rutgers.
Only two players made a three for Wisconsin one was Reuvers as he made three of his 3-point attempts and the other was D’Mitrik Trice (nine points). Reuvers led Wisconsin in scoring with 19 points the only other player to reach double figures for Wisconsin was Kobe King with 10 points but he shot 4-for-11 from the field.
If it wasn’t poor shooting at times that hurt the Badgers offense it was finding ways of consistently generating second chances for themselves. Wisconsin generated seven offensive rebounds in the first half but over the last 20 minutes, they only had two. Wisconsin’s inability to find a way to keep offensive possessions alive for themselves only hurt their chances of keeping themselves in the game.