After suffering yet another stunning loss to an unranked non-conference opponent at the Kohl Center, Wisconsin (6-4) will look to gain new momentum with a home matchup against Marquette (7-2) this Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Despite losing a 15-point lead, shooting a porous 29.2 percent in the second half and missing the final shot to win Wednesday's game against Milwaukee, the Badgers showed glimpses of improvement in several areas and will look to carry them over against Marquette Saturday.
Preseason All-American Nigel Hayes, who struggled to score offensively the first part part of this season, exploded in the loss to Milwaukee, producing 32 points and accounting for 47.7 percent of Wisconsin’s total points. With his stout defense and ability to score big numbers offensively, the Badgers will rely heavily on Hayes come Saturday. With the inconsistency of players like Vitto Brown and Zak Showalter on offense, Hayes could be the key to Wisconsin’s offensive output.
Aside from the recent surge of Nigel Hayes, Wisconsin’s rebounding abilities have been a true strength this season and looked promising in their loss to Milwaukee, despite their diminutive and inexperienced backcourt. This season the Badgers boast a +9.5 rebounding margin, which is mainly lead by redshirt freshman Ethan Happ.
After producing yet another double-double on Wednesday, Happ has undoubtedly been the team’s best rebounder this season. He has led the team with an average of 8.7 boards per game. By having a large rebounding margin, Wisconsin will benefit from second-chance points and also trim down the game clock which will be pivotal in the close games.
While Wisconsin’s starting five will contribute a large portion of the points Saturday, the team will need larger contributions from freshmen Charlie Thomas and Khalil Iverson. As reserves this season, they have combined for 8.4 points, 6.1, and 1.1 blocks per game, but in Wednesday's loss to Milwaukee, the duo played very little, only playing eight and 10 minutes, respectively, and only producing a combined four points and four rebounds. With already a small rotation, the duo will need to be more efficient and productive to lead the Badgers to a win.
Boasting a 7-2 overall record, including quality wins against No. 22 LSU and Arizona State, Marquette comes in with a sense of urgency and will look to exploit an inconsistent Wisconsin team.
“You always know that with these in state games teams will always find a little extra to bring,” junior Nigel Hayes said.
While Wisconsin has led the all-time series 65-55, the Badgers only hold an 8-6 record against the Golden Eagles under Coach Ryan.
That record under Ryan may fall to 8-7 if Wisconsin cannot contain forward Henry Ellenson, who averages 16.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. The freshman has looked outstanding this season and should be the matchup to watch whether Nigel Hayes, Vitto Brown or Ethan Happ guards him.
Come Saturday, Badgers fans will be anxious to see which Wisconsin team will show up to play. After quality wins against VCU, Syracuse and Temple the Badgers have looked like a top-25 caliber team, but after suffering stunning home losses to Western Illinois and Milwaukee, fans are still trying to figure out what to make of this season’s team.
UWBadgers.com helped contribute to this report.
