BadgerBlitz – Preview: Badgers, Nittany Lions both looking to boost tournament resumes

Wisconsin (13-9) vs. Penn State (14-9)

Sport: Wednesday, Feb. 8 contained in the Bryce Jordan Middle

Time: 7:30 P.M CT

Watch: BTN

Pay attention: 1310 WIBA AM and 101.5 FM (Matt Lepay and Mike Lucas on the decision); stream on-line on iHeartRadio

Prediction: Penn State 65, Wisconsin 57

Observe On-line: The Badgers’ Den

Twitter: @Badger_Blitz

Betting Line: Penn State -4.5

Wisconsin didn’t construct any sort of momentum on the Kohl Middle on Sunday night, falling to Northwestern in a low-scoring thriller.

2023 hasn’t been sort to the Badgers. They’re at the moment 3-7 within the new 12 months, and so they have not received consecutive video games since their Jan. 3 victory over Minnesota introduced their profitable streak to 6.

Wisconsin fought arduous towards the Wildcats, however in the end the identical points which have plauged all of them season have been their undoing. They shot a disastrous 5-of-11 from the free throw line. Shut vary ending across the rim continued to be an issue, because the Badgers solely hit seven of their 15 layup makes an attempt. They have been as soon as once more out-rebounded, and offensive boards notably damage them. Lastly, they could not end down the stretch in clutch time, an space they used to specialise in.

The Badgers merely have not been the identical since Tyler Wahl‘s harm disrupted the beginning lineup, and neither has Wahl himself. As soon as a matchup nightmare down low early within the season, boasting nice footwork and a propensity for ending on the rim, Wahl’s manufacturing has fallen off a cliff. Earlier than the ahead’s harm, he was placing up 13.2 points-per-game on 42.0% taking pictures. Since his return, which got here in Wisconsin’s first recreation towards Penn State, Wahl is averaging 8.8 factors on 38.2% from the sphere.

Wahl remains to be clearly not himself, however the ahead must be extra assertive. The 6-foot-9′, 225-pound senior grabbed one rebound towards Northwestern. That alone ought to let you know that he is simply not competing on the stage he is able to.

As for Penn State, its in a virtually similar place as Wisconsin. The Nittany Lions have performed an additional recreation and have an additional win, however each groups are 5-7 in league play. Penn State is in the same funk because the Badgers, as they’ve misplaced six of their final 9. Each groups are on the skin of the NCAA match trying in, per a number of projections.

Every workforce has eight video games left and an opportunity to show it round late. However time is ticking, and each loss places the match additional out of attain. As each desperately attempt to create some semblance of momentum, to say this can be a large recreation for each squads could be a extreme understatement.

Each workforce within the Massive Ten is very conversant in one another, and Wisconsin and Penn State are particularly well-versed in each other’s methods as the 2 met three weeks in the past in Madison.

In Wisconsin’s 63-60 victory, Steven Crowl went to work towards the Nittany Lions’ smaller lineup. The middle put up 21 factors and 11 rebounds, and there was little Penn State might do as time and time once more Crowl acquired to his spot and completed within the put up.

The Badgers additionally did a unbelievable job stymying the Nittany Lions’ perimeter recreation. Wisconsin restricted Penn State to twenty three-point makes an attempt once they got here in averaging round 28. As Greg Gard mentioned after the sport, “They cannot make them if they cannot get them off.” Anticipate Wisconsin to try the same technique Wednesday evening with the Nittany Lions’ nonetheless averaging an elite 38.4% from downtown.

Jalen Pickett did all he might to offer Penn State an opportunity within the first assembly, dropping 19 factors, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. The do-it-all guard has been probably the greatest gamers within the league this season, and Wisconsin cannot let him get sizzling within the rematch.

Within the first assembly, Wisconsin’s measurement received out in the long run. Between Crowl dominating the paint offensively and the Badgers matching the Nittany Lions’ rebound complete, Penn State had the center however not the peak. It will be fascinating to see how they elect to protect Crowl of their second likelihood. Do they take inspiration from Northwestern and aggressively double the massive man?

Each groups are determined to enhance their document in convention play, and Penn State might be hungry for revenge on their dwelling courtroom. Each groups really feel “due” for a win. Anticipate the same grinding, neck-and-neck recreation like their first assembly, with who comes out on high seemingly decided by who can management the put up.