Tale of the Tape: Wisconsin Basketball Has a ‘Get-Right Game’ with Robert Morris

After a disappointing showing on the road, the Wisconsin basketball team has a golden opportunity to get back into the win column when they play Robert Morris tonight at home.

According to ESPN’s matchup predictor, the Wisconsin Badgers have a 95 percent chance to win the game.

In college basketball, I wouldn’t consider any game an automatic win or a ‘gimme,’ but this is a game the Badgers should and need to dominate to get some confidence back before they head to Florida to take on Virginia in the Fort Meyers Tip-Off Tournament.

Here’s everything you need to know about the game tonight.

Wisconsin Basketball vs. Robert Morris Game Information

When: Friday, November 17, 2023 – 6:00 PM
Where: Madison, Wisconsin – Kohl Center
TV: BTN+
Radio: Badger Sports Network
Follow Online: Live Game Stats
Odds: Wisconsin (-19.5)

History of Wisconsin Basketball vs. Robert Morris

The Wisconsin Badgers and Robert Morris Colonials have never faced each other head-to-head. This will be the first-ever meeting for the two programs.

Wisconsin Basketball Preview

Nov 14, 2023; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Chucky Hepburn (23) shoots the ball during the second half against the Providence Friars at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Record: 1-2
Last Five: @ Providence (L: 59-72); vs. No. 9 Tennessee (L: 70-80); Arkansas St. (W: 105-76)
Conference: Big Ten

Individual Statistical Leaders

Points: AJ Storr – G #2: 18.0 PPG
Rebounds: Steven Crowl – F #22: 6.0 RPG
Assists: Steven Crowl – F #22: 2.3 APG
Steals: Chucky Hepburn – G #23: 1.3 SPG
Blocks: Tyler Wahl – F #5: 0.7 BPG

Team Statistics

Scoring:  78.0 points per game (t-172nd)
Points Allowed: 76.0 points allowed per game
Rebounds:  31.3 rebounds per game (t-370th)
Assists:  11.0 assists per game (t-304th)

Other Notable Stats

KenPom Rankings: After the disastrous Providence game, the Wisconsin basketball team dropped to 36th in adjusted offense (110.8) and 37th in adjusted defense (94.0). That gives the Badgers an adjusted efficiency margin of +16.85, which drops them to 33rd overall, just behind Michigan State.

74.4: The Wisconsin basketball team has definitely been playing faster than they did last year. Through three games, they are averaging 74.4 possessions per game. The Colonials will test that, as they average just 66.7 possessions per game.

Opponent Preview: Robert Morris Colonials

Nov 6, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Robert Morris Colonials forward Markeese Hastings (0) shoots against Xavier Musketeers forward Gytis Nemeiksa (50) in the second half at Cintas Center. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Record: 1-2 
Last Five: @ Towson (L: 62-66); vs. Point Park (W: 66-56); @ Xavier (L: 63-77)
Conference: Horizon

Individual Statistical Leaders

Points:  Justice Williams – G #1: 18.5 PPG
Rebounds: Markese Hastings – F #0: 10.7 RPG
Assists:  Justice Williams – G #1: 3.0 APG
Steals: Markese Hastings – F #0: 2.3 SPG
Blocks:  Jackson Last – G #12: 1.7 BPG

Team Statistics

Scoring:  63.7 points per game (358th)
Points Allowed:  66.3 points allowed per game
Rebounds:  35.3 rebounds per game (t-282nd)
Assists:  11.3 assists per game (t-293rd)

Other Notable Stats

KenPom Rankings: The Colonials are way down the KenPom rankings at 285th in adjusted offense rating (97.3) and 249th in adjusted defense (105.9). That would give them an adjusted efficiency margin of -8.58, ranking them 277th overall out of 362 teams.

82.1: The Colonials have a clear advantage over the Badgers in one statistical area heading into the game tonight: free throw percentage. The Badgers are shooting 72.3 percent from the line this year after going 12/12 against Providence. But the Colonials are shooting 82.1 percent from the line.

42.0: An advantage the Badgers might have over the Colonials is on the offensive boards. Right now, Robert Morris’ opponent’s offensive rebound percentage is 42 percent. Wisconsin, on the other hand, is just 20.8 percent. If they are aggressive, the Badgers could capitalize on grabbing some offensive boards and getting some second-chance points.

More Wisconsin Basketball Content on BadgerNotes

Be sure to check out more great content on the Wisconsin basketball team on BadgerNotes!

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Wisconsin Basketball vs. Robert Morris: Pre-Game Storylines

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