McNeese State was able to register its first win of the season as they beat Southern New Orleans 104-33 on Monday night. After playing their first two games on the road losing to Western Michigan and Louisiana by an average of 7.5 points the Cowboys will play their third road game in a week.
In this Badgers Wire feature, we will look at the three keys or questions for Wisconsin as they prepare to play McNeese State.
LAYUP: WISCONSIN’S ABILITY TO LIMIT SECOND CHANCES
Wisconsin through two games has allowed their opponents to average 12 offensive rebounds per game, which they have turned into an average of 15 points per game.
In particular, Wisconsin will need to box out the 6’8″ Sha’markus Kennedy as he has registered at least four offensive rebounds over the Cowboys first three games.
McNeese State is averaging 10.6 offensive rebounds per game as Kennedy is responsible for 13 of the team’s 32 offensive rebounds this season. With Kennedy leading the team in offensive rebounds the Cowboys have averaged 10.3 second chance points.
In order for Wisconsin to take control of the game earlier compared to their win over Eastern Illinois, the Badgers are going to need to attack the defensive glass. If Wisconsin can consistently limit the Cowboys offense to one shot per offensive possession it should help make sure the Cowboys can’t stick around.
MID-RANGE: THE PLAY OF WISCONSIN’S BACKCOURT
D’Mitrik Trice and Brad Davison have been able to distribute the basketball effectively while the two continue to find their shots from 3-point range. Trice and Davison each have registered four assists this season, which leads the team.
In addition, Trice and Davison should be able to get open looks against the Cowboys defense. McNeese State is only allowing opponents to shoot 35.5 percent (66-for-186) from the field but the Cowboys haven’t played anybody of note.
Making it important that Wisconsin is able to work the basketball around in order to create an open shot. If that’s Trice or Davison creating an open look for a teammate or them being the recipient the Badgers will need to knock down their looks in order to build a lead.
3-POINTER: SLOWING DOWN MCNEESE STATE’S BIG 3
McNeese State has three players who are averaging double figures in Dru Kuxhausen (17 ppg), A.J. Lawson (15.7 ppg), and Kennedy (13 ppg).
In particular, Wisconsin’s defense will need to be cognizant of Lawson as he has scored in double figures in all three games but has also attempted 13.3 field goal attempts a game, which leads the team. In addition, Lawson has registered seven assists over three games, which leads the team.
Lawson is going to get his shots up against the Badgers but Kuxhausen is coming off McNeese State’s win over Southern New Orleans where he went 7-for-10 from three. Making it important that Wisconsin’s defense doesn’t allow either to get any open look where they can shoot in rhythm.
Between Lawson and Kuxhausen they are shooting a combined 35-for-72 (48.6 percent) from the field. If Wisconsin allows either to get enough room they’ll attempt a shot making it important that Wisconsin doesn’t allow them to create a mismatch.