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Three Things: Wisconsin Basketball vs. Michigan

Published

1 year ago

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Wisconsin basketball headed to Ann Arbor for their second matchup in twelve days with rival Michigan. A massive game between two teams right on the bubble for the NCAA tournament. A heartbreaking defeat in overtime, Wisconsin loses 87-79. Here are three things from the loss.

Chucky Hepburn Injury

Wisconsin basketball played most of the second half without their leader Chucky Hepburn. It looked somewhat of a noncontact injury as Chucky planted wrong while trying to defend. He gingerly limped to the bench and eventually the locker room, where he wasn’t seen again. This team relies on so much from Chucky. His defense, shot-making, and ball control are all hard to replace. Today, Kamari Mcgee played considerable minutes in replace of Chucky and brought a sense of calm and composure that Wisconsin needed. He even added two clutch free throws that almost won the Badgers the game.

Going forward, if Chucky has to miss significant time, the Badgers will have to look to Mcgee as the new starting point guard and leader of the team. Without Chucky though, I don’t see this season lasting much longer.

Foul Up Three

This next point is painful to write about. I do not understand why coaches don’t foul late in the game when they are up three points. It seems like such a no-brainer to me, but I guess not. Wisconsin basketball got burned today as they led by three with just seven seconds remaining. Instead of fouling, they played straight up, and Hunter Dickinson hit a last-second heave to send this game to overtime. It was great defense by Wisconsin and just an impressive shot from Dickinson. However, you don’t risk the opposition hitting a shot like that if you foul.

NCAA Tournament Dream

Unfortunately, Wisconsin basketball hopes of making the NCAA tournament are slim with this loss. This game wasn’t the final nail in the coffin; however, this now makes their upcoming game against Purdue a must-win. Purdue has been one of the best teams in the country all season, and if Chucky doesn’t play, I don’t see a world where the Badgers can come out on top. All hope isn’t lost, considering we still have the Big Ten tournament. If Wisconsin basketball can get hot, you never know.

Also, I hope the Big Ten looks at this play from Hunter Dickinson on Tyler Wahl.

 

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