Offense: D
Wisconsin was able to keep it close throughout the first half but over the final 20 minutes, the Badgers struggled to string together successful offensive possessions.
Considering Aleem Ford’s 3-point make with 6:16 to go in the game represented the last made field goal by Wisconsin. The Badgers to close the game went 0-for-7 from the field and 1-for-4 from the free throw line.
Over Wisconsin’s final seven field goal attempts five of them came from 3-point range. Once again Wisconsin struggled from three as the Badgers finished the game 5-for-23 (21.7 percent) from three and shot 21-for-56 (37.5 percent) overall from the field.
Three players for Wisconsin reached double figures as Ford lead the way with 13 points on 5-for-10 shooting from the field. Kobe King and Nate Reuvers each finished the game with 11 points but between the two they shot a combined 9-for-25 from the field.
Wisconsin was able to have some success once they got the basketball in the paint as the Badgers finished the game with 28 points around the rim. But 16 of those 28 points came in the first half as the Badgers at times went away from trying to get the basketball down low or they couldn’t convert on their paint opportunities as the Wolfpack finished with six blocks.
It also didn’t help matters that when Wisconsin was able to draw a shooting foul in the paint that the Badgers couldn’t connect on their free throw opportunities. Wisconsin has been shooting the basketball well from the free throw line throughout the early part of the season but against North Carolina State they shot a season low 46.7 percent (7-for-15) from the free throw line.
Considering how hard points were to come by for Wisconsin’s offense the Badgers couldn’t afford to leave points at the free throw line. But they did, which allowed for North Carolina State to extend their lead in the second half.