Wisconsin Badgers (11-5, 3-2 Big Ten) are on the road looking to avoid being .500 in the Big Ten with a win against No. 19 Maryland basketball (14-3, 5-1 Big Ten).
Who: Wisconsin Badgers (11-5, 3-2 Big Ten) at No. 19 Maryland Terrapins (14-3, 5-1 Big Ten)
TV Schedule: Monday, January 14 at 8:30 p.m. ET on FS1
Location: Xfinity Center in College Park, MD
The Wisconsin Badgers are coming off of an 84-80 loss to the Purdue Boilermakers. The Badgers got plenty of production from their starters as Ethan Happ went off in the game for 31 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. D’Mitrik Trice recorded 17 points and Brad Davison put up 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
the Badgers offense runs through Happ and as one of Wisconsin’s best scorer’s this season and in school history, he has the ability to draw double teams and if they leave him in man-to-man situations in the paint, he’ll score nine times out of 10. This leaves teams vulnerable to open three-pointers or off-ball cuts to the basket for scores. Maryland basketball is going to have to be wary of that defensively.
The matchup to watch is going to be Bruno Fernando vs Happ in the post. Both have played lights out for their teams this season and their performances will determine the outcome of this game. Of course, points are a factor, both of them have to be able to score but rebounding will also be key.
The Terrapins has always been able to get to the free throw line and knock down their free throws so how the Badgers defense handles them driving to the basket or getting the ball to Fernando and Jalen Smith will be interesting to see.
Maryland basketball and the Wisconsin Badgers have excellent frontcourt talent. In tonight’s game, it will be about who wants it more.