USC basketball is preparing for a huge game against Wisconsin this Saturday. When one thinks of Wisconsin basketball, the natural instinct for most is to expect grind-it-out games played in the 60s or maybe even the high 50s. For much of the 21st century, that’s how Wisconsin played under Dick Bennett, Bo Ryan, and Greg Gard. This season is different. Wisconsin can score. Badgers Wire looked at what Wisconsin star John Tonje did in UW’s recent win over Ohio State:
This game can be added to a growing file of John Tonje-led victories. The star wing finished with the mentioned 17 points, the majority of which came in the second half. He delivered key baskets throughout the frame as Ohio State worked to trim the Badgers’ margin.
Tonje’s most significant contribution came at the free-throw line: 10 makes on 10 attempts, each of which felt important.
The veteran’s physical play style, ability to draw fouls and best-in-the-nation conversion from the line combine to make his performance reason No. 1 the Badgers exited with a victory.
Tonje and other Badgers have enabled this team to find new levels of scoring punch. Wisconsin eclipsed 100 points in a win over Arizona in nonconference play late last year. Wisconsin scored 116 in a blowout of Iowa.
USC’s defense will face a tough test on Saturday. The Trojans, who scored 99 versus Iowa, might have to score in the 90s to win this game, too.