Defense: B
Wisconsin’s defense had trouble keeping Zavier Simpson out of the lane. Simpson consistently was able to attack allowing him to score a career high 32 points on 14-for-22 shooting from the field and he made his lone three-point attempt.
Simpson in total was responsible for 20 of Michigan’s 44 points in the paint as he shot 10-for-16 on his field goal attempts in the paint.
The 44 points Wisconsin gave up down low were the most allowed by the Badgers this season and their second straight game of allowing at least 40 points around the rim.
Part of the reason why Michigan was able to have success around the rim was because Reuvers was dealing with foul trouble as he finished the game with four. Reuvers leads the team in blocked shots and with him only playing 18 minutes allowed the paint to be more open than it normally is.
Simpson was one of two Michigan players to reach double figures as the other was Franz Wagner as he finished the game with 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting from the field.
Simpson like he normally has done over conference play did a good job of setting up his teammates as he finished with six of the Wolverines eight assists. Overall Michigan shot 31-for-60 (51.7 percent) from the field as the Wolverines shot 58.6 percent (17-for-29) from the field in the second half.