Wisconsin at Xavier: Key storylines to watch in the Gavitt Games matchup

Who can control the paint?

To me, this is the most important question heading into this game. Yes, Ethan Happ is a superstar big man and will be the best player on the floor in this game. Behind him, though, Wisconsin has almost no depth in the frontcourt and he is the only player who can consistently be relied upon to snag rebounds and finish in the paint. Xavier, on the other hand, boasts several legitimate options inside even if they do not have one true star.

On paper, both of these teams excel in snagging offensive rebounds and blocking shots on the other end of the floor. For Wisconsin, the goal should be to consistently get Happ the ball in the paint and hopefully create (and make) open looks from beyond the arc. If this occurs, the Badgers will either be able to secure close-range attempts for Happ, hit threes, or potentially snag long rebounds to reset possessions.

Xavier, on the other hand, will likely try to be physical with Happ on both ends of the floor in hopes of making life difficult on him in the paint or forcing him into foul trouble. If Happ ends up losing aggression or is forced to sit on the bench, the Musketeers will be in tremendous shape. Additionally, Xavier’s barrage of players over 6-foot-7 (four of their top players) could pose matchup nightmares for the Badgers.

So, even though the guards in this matchup may be the focal point in terms of scoring, the battles in the paint might be what eventually wins the game.

Xavier won the last battle between these two teams last season. Will they be able to take another victory this time around or will the Badgers remind everyone in the Cintas Center of Bronson Koenig‘s game-winning corner three in the 2017 NCAA Tournament? We will soon find out.

Final Prediction: Wisconsin 78, Xavier 75.