Wisconsin (7-5) will be seeking its third victory in a row when it hosts MAAC member Rider (7-3) at the Kohl Center for the first time in program history on Tuesday evening in the Badgers’ final tuneup game before they dive into Big Ten play.
Wisconsin has won three of its last four contests, most recently picking up a much-needed victory at Tennessee over the weekend. After crushing the Volunteers by 20 points, Badger fans are hoping that this team has finally put its woeful fortunes on the road behind them.
The Broncs have been playing some great ball themselves as of late, winning five of their last six games. However, they are coming off of a 78-66 loss at Temple on Dec. 21, and were destroyed by Arizona State, 92-55, in their only other matchup with a high major program this season.
The Badgers should be able to easily handle Rider at home and keep their momentum going into conference play. However, it’s worth noting that the Broncs do have four players averaging at least 12 points per game, and could give Wisconsin some trouble in terms of individual matchups.
Here are the three players on the other side who Badger fans should keep a close eye on throughout Saturday afternoon’s contest.
Tyere Marshall – Center
2019 stats: 15.7 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 60.8 FG%, 65.0 FT%
Currently averaging a double-double, Marshall is Rider’s leading scorer and rebounder despite playing just 26.6 minutes per game (No. 5 on the team).
The 6-9 senior is No. 7 in the MAAC at 15.7 points per game, and his rebounding average is No. 16 in the nation. Marshall doesn’t do much damage outside of the paint but he certainly makes the most of his opportunities down there, converting a conference-best 60.8 percent of his shot attempts overall. He should give Nate Reuvers and Micah Potter a useful challenge as they prepare for the big bodies they will bang with in the post on a near-nightly basis throughout Big Ten play.
Marshall has scored in double figures in all but two of Rider’s games, but he is coming off of one of his least productive outings of the season in the loss to Temple (4 points).
Stevie Jordan – Guard
2019 stats: 14.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.9 apg, 2.3 spg, 38.3 FG%, 30.0 3P%
Marshall is probably Rider’s best player, but Jordan isn’t far behind.
The 6-0 senior point guard is the engine that makes the Broncs go, leading the team and ranking second in the MAAC in assists while also averaging 14.3 points per game. Jordan hasn’t had the most efficient season shooting the basketball, but he’s averaged no less than 11.7 points throughout his career and is still capable of taking over game over as a scorer on any given night.
Jordan is one of MAAC’s top defenders as well, averaging the second-most steals in the conference. He will likely be tasked with slowing down a red-hot D’Mitrik Trice throughout tomorrow’s contest.
Frederick Scott – Forward
2019 stats: 14.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.2 apg, 48.0 FG%, 41.4 3P%, 66.1 FT%
Things have worked out quite well for Scott and the Broncs since he opted to transfer to Rider after beginning his career at DePaul.
A Third Team All-MAAC selection last year, the 6-8 junior has averaged at least 12 points and five rebounds per game in each of the last three seasons. Scott currently ranks second on the team in both scoring and rebounding and is sitting at No. 9 and No. 5 in the MAAC in each category, respectively.
Scott also possesses some finesse in his game to complement his physicality on the boards, as he’s been consistently dangerous from long range throughout his career.