The Badgers have a major game ahead of them on Friday in their non-conference schedule.
The Wisconsin Badgers basketball and football teams have a big weekend ahead. On Saturday, Badger football will take on the No. 1 Oregon Ducks at Camp Randall, but first Wisconsin basketball will face the No. 9 Arizona Wildcats on Friday at 8:00 p.m. CT.
Both teams will have an uphill battle, but Wisconsin basketball comes into its matchup riding some momentum. The Badgers are 3-0 and have won each game by an average margin of 22.3 points. Arizona, on the other hand, is 2-0 after winning their first two games by 29 and 58 points.
It’s not impossible, as anything can happen in college basketball, but Wisconsin needs to emphasize three things if the Kohl Center wants to see some Friday night madness.
Dominate the Paint
The Badgers actually have an advantage in this regard, Nolan Winter and Steven Crowl stand at 6-foot-11 and seven feet tall. Arizona’s leading rebounder, Tobe Awake, is just 6-foot-8.
Wisconsin needs to get offensive production from its two bigs, as the rebounds are expected to come naturally. Additionally, those guys can space the floor, which allows for guards and forwards to attack the paint. The Badgers don’t need to hoist a million threes, as they have a clear advantage in the paint. Take the deep shots only when it’s necessary.
Limit Arizona’s Guards
Last season, Wisconsin let Caleb Love go off for 20 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. That can’t happen again. Love and Jaden Bradley are leading the Wildcats in scoring, averaging a combined 24.5 points.
Arizona’s scoring distribution has been relatively even to start the season, but Love is the biggest worry by far. A fifth-year senior, Love is experienced, polished, and versatile on offense. If Wisconsin can take him away it will force other players to create.
Expect John Tonje or Max Klesmit to get matched up with Love. However, Greg Gard may want a bigger body on Love, so we could see Xavier Amos in the mix as well. As long as the Badgers limit Love’s scoring options, they’ll be in it.
Ball Movement
Arizona is a far more athletic team than Wisconsin, and the Wildcats are sure to bring it on defense. Wisconsin isn’t going to win by creating off the dribble. The team no longer has shot creators like AJ Storr.
The key is to get players open off the pass. John Tonje has been an electric scorer for Wisconsin but will find opportunities if the rest of the team can free him up. Additionally, the Badgers have shooters, and getting them open will be key. There needs to be a constant flow of movement off the ball which will create scoring opportunities against an athletic opponent.