Wisconsin Basketball Keys to Victory vs. Michigan State Spartans

After a great win against Marquette Saturday, Wisconsin basketball hits the road  to take on Michigan State. It is the first Big Ten game for the Badgers. It is also game two of the three game gauntlet.

The Breslin Center is one of the toughest places to play in the country. Can Wisconsin basketball get a fantastic road win and start the Big Ten season 1-0?

Here are the keys to a Badgers victory on Tuesday night.

Wisconsin Basketball Must Contain Tyson Walker

The Spartans are not a great shooting team, especially from three. They only shoot 27% from deep as a team. A lot of what they will do on offense will involve senior point guard Tyson Walker. Walker is averaging 20.5 points a game and plays 32 minutes a game. In watching a few Michigan State games, Walker has to shoot a lot to get his points.

Good guard play is not a mystery for Wisconsin basketball. Outside of Virginia, the Badgers have had to play against good guard play in every game this season. Look for Chucky Hepburn, Max Klesmit, John Blackwell, and Kamari McGee to all their their shot at defending Walker. If you contain Walker, you contain the Spartans offense.

Wisconsin Basketball Must Be the More Physical Team Again

One thing you will always get with Michigan State is that they will not be put-worked and out-toughed. Every Tom Izzo team, especially in February and March, rebounds the ball and always goes for the 50-50 plays.

For the first time since probably the Tennessee game, the Badgers won’t have a huge post advantage. The Spartans will have Malik Hall and Mady Sissoko in the post and will also bring in Carson Cooper off the bench. It will be a tough task for Steven Crowl, Tyler Wahl, and Carter Gilmore. Whoever wins the post battle will win this game.

Badgers Role Players Will Be Key

One thing I believe the Spartans have an advantage over Wisconsin basketball in this game is the role players. I like Jaden Akins and A.J. Hoggard. These two haven’t had the starts to the season they would have liked, but they have the ability to take over a game.

I also like Wisconsin’s role players. This team is playing complimentary basketball and there’s likely seven players that I trust shooting the ball. I think that’s a big edge for the Badgers. If they can continue this style, I like their chances to get a road win tonight.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read our work at BadgerNotes.com. For more Wisconsin Badgers Athletics and Big Ten content, follow us on Twitter & Facebook. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also follow Dylan Buboltz on Twitter @Dylanbuboltz.

Also, be sure to check out our shop, subscribe to our newsletter, and the BadgerNotes After Dark podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. Because of your support, we have become one of the fastest-growing independent media outlets focused on giving a voice to the fans!