Wisconsin Basketball: 3 Keys to a Badgers Victory vs Indiana

Coming off their first conference loss Tuesday night, Wisconsin basketball looks to bounce back at home against the Indiana Hoosiers. They are coming off an 88-67 loss to Purdue Tuesday night. The Hoosiers are 12-6 overall and 4-3 in the Big Ten. Can the Badgers get back on the right track and stay in sole possession of first place in the Big Ten? Tip time is 7:30 on FS1.

Here are the keys to a victory vs the Hoosiers.

Wisconsin Basketball Needs to Contain Indiana’s Athletic Big Men

Most of the season, Wisconsin basketball has had to deal with athletic guards. Tonight, they will have to deal wtih athletic big men.

The Hoosiers will have three players in Malik Reneau, Mackenzie Mgbako, and Kel’el Ware who can all get to the rim. This trio also combines for 41 of Indiana’s 75 points a game.

This should be a battle in the post for Steven Crowl, Tyler Wahl, Carter Gilmore, and Nolan Winter. Whoever wins that battle will likely win this game. These four have to stay out of foul trouble.

Wisconsin Basketball Needs to Bounce Back on Defense

It was a poor game on the defensive side against Penn State. Giving up 87 points to a team that will finish near the bottom of the Big Ten is reason for some concern.

Maybe a little home cooking and a good crowd will help the Badgers. I have no doubt Greg Gard and his staff emphasized defense leading into this game. I expect a rebound performance on that side.

A Game the Guards Need to Dominate

The Wisconsin basketball post players will have their hands full all night. This is a game where I believe the Badgers have a big advantage in the guard play. Trey Galloway and Xavier Johnson are experienced veterans, but nether will light it up from the field.

It was a bad showing for this group against Penn State. I would imagine they are licking their chops to get back on the court and rebound after Tuesday night. Players like Max Klesmit, AJ Storr, John Blackwell, even Connor Essegian could all be in for good nights.

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