Wisconsin Badgers Vs Northwestern Wildcats Preview

By: Melo Williams 

After losing its last three games the Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team finally got in the win column.

The Wisconsin Badgers (13-8, 5-6 B1G) traveled to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. Led by a balanced offensive effort, Connor Essegian scored 17 points to lead four Badgers in double-figure scoring.

Up next for the Badgers are the Northwestern Wildcats on Sunday at the Kohl Center.

Until beating the Buckeyes on Thursday night, Wisconsin was on a three-game losing streak that started at the hands of Northwestern.

The Wildcats beat the Badgers 66-63 on January 23. That game was rescheduled and played at the University of Illinois due to health and safety concerns after an outbreak of Corona on the campus of Northwestern University. The game was originally scheduled to be played on Saturday, January 21 at Northwestern.

Wisconsin must continue to play through Steve Crowl. The big fella has game, he just needs consistent touches to stay in a rhythm. When Crowl has it going he’s very efficient. Against the Buckeyes Crowl had 14 points and 9 rebounds. He shot 6-10 from the field. Playing through Crowl opens up the floor tremendously for the Badgers. He gives the Badgers spacing for penetration.

Connor Essegian has shown consistency for Greg Gard and the Badgers. He’s been so consistent that he was inserted into the starting lineup and hasn’t been a disappointment. He’s been somewhat one of the Badger’s best players in terms of scoring, defending, and taking the big shots, especially in Tyler Wahl’s absence.

The Badgers are at their best when the offense is being played from the inside out. When Wisconsin has Crowl and Wahl rolling on the inside it allows for the kick-out passes to Essegian for three which he typically knocks down. Playing through Wahl, Crowl, and Essegian is the Badger’s best hope to win games.

Tyler Wahl will be looking to have a bounce-back game after scoring only 5 points and grabbing 4 rebounds in 34 minutes in the victory against Ohio State.

Since returning from injury Max Klesmit is averaging 12 ppg. He scored 12 points against both Illinois and Ohio State. I expect to see Klesmit looking to get his shot going against Northwestern and find his rhythm which will help take some of the pressure off of Essegian.

Chucky Hepburn has been playing good ball still. Hepburn needs to understand when he doesn’t have it going he can’t force up bad shots and shoot Wisconsin out of games from poor shot selections. When Chucky breaks down the defense and creates a shot for others makes Wisconsin dynamic offensively.

Wisconsin bench is the Badgers biggest area of concern. The reserves need more time because they are simply not ready yet. Gard has to manage the game carefully when he’s going to his reserves for playing time. Being honest the Badgers can go seven deep comfortably. After that is when things start to get troubling.

To beat Northwestern the Badgers can’t let two players beat them again. Chase Audige scored 16 points and Boo Buie scored 20 points.  No other Northwestern players scored in double figures.

Wisconsin struggles with guards that can create shots for themselves and others. Chucky does a great job with on-ball defense but it gets exhausting. I expect the Badger’s defense to be much better than it was two weeks ago against Northwestern and their guard play.

CONCLUSION:

Wisconsin plays through their big men Steven Crowl and Tyler Wahl and dominates the paint and the boards. Connor Essegian keeps his hot shooting going and continues showing why he will be in the running for B1G Freshman of the Year.

Wisconsin wins 63-55

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