How do the Badgers match up against Arizona on Friday?
The Wisconsin Badgers used a 24-0 run in the first half to defeat the Appalachian State Mountaineers 87-56 last Sunday. John Tonje led the Badgers with 17 points, including this incredible layup in the second half.
Truth: You don’t see an up-and-under like this John Tonje one very often @johntonje1 x @BadgerMBB#B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/fPhFDvfiGX
— Big Ten Men’s Basketball (@B1GMBBall) November 10, 2024
But now, the Badgers face their first significant test of the season, as perennial power Arizona comes to Madison ranked ninth in the country. The tip-off is Friday at 8:00 p.m. at the Kohl Center.
What should Wisconsin fans know about the Arizona Wildcats?
Opponent Preview
Arizona finished last season with a record of 27-9, their final regular-season Pac-12 championship, and a trip to the Sweet 16, but entered this season picked fifth in the stacked Big 12 Conference. The Wildcats earned two comfortable wins at home over Canisius 93-64 and Old Dominion 102-44. Arizona jumped to double-digit leads in both games before an opponent basket, cruising to victory.
While the Wildcats lost dominant center Oumar Ballo (Indiana) and starting guard Kylan Boswell (Illinois) to the transfer portal, they added transfer forwards Tobe Awaka and Trey Townsend. After not starting two years with the Tennessee Volunteers, Awaka has started both games for the Wildcats and leads the team with an outstanding 12 rebounds per game. Townsend came to Tucson as the reigning Horizon League Player of the Year from Oakland and sought to fill the shoes left by starting forward Keshad Johnson, but in two starts has averaged 5.5 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game.
Last year’s starting point guard, Pelle Larsson, who scored 21 points last year against the Badgers, is now in the NBA. Jaden Bradley has taken over point guard duties, averaging 11 points per game, and leads the team with 3.5 assists per game.
After testing the NBA Drafter waters, Caleb Love returned for the Wildcats as the best scorer on the team. Love averaged 18 points per game last season and 13.5 points per game through these two games. If the Badgers want to upset the Wildcats, they must stop Love’s shooting and scoring ability, as Connor Whelan noted.
Seven-foot post players Henri Veesaar and Motiejus Krivas are coming off the bench, and both average 5.5 rebounds per game. Given their height, both players will challenge Steven Crowl and Nolan Winter throughout the game.
Score Prediction
Last year, the Badgers were down 17 at the end of the first half on their way to a blowout 98-73 loss to the Wildcats in Tucson. Wisconsin has shown the ability to respond to early challenges this season but cannot afford to start slow against Arizona. The Kohl Center should be rocking for this game, given the return of the 2014 and 2015 Final Four teams. Greg Gard’s crew will use that fuel to stay with the Wildcats through the first half.
If, and that is a big if, the Badgers can keep the game at their pace, they can pull the upset. Unlike last year, this game should be closer, but Arizona’s offense will make enough baskets to come away with the victory.
Prediction: Arizona 80-70.