Maryland basketball (17-5, 8-3 Big Ten) bounced back against the Northwestern Wildcats Tuesday. Can they win round two against the No. 24 Wisconsin Badgers (15-6, 7-3 Big Ten)?
No. 21 Maryland Terrapins (17-5, 8-3 Big Ten) at No. 24 Wisconsin Badgers (15-6, 7-3 Big Ten)
TV Schedule: Friday, February 1 at 9 p.m. ET on FS1
Location: Kohl Center in Madison, WI
Maryland basketball won the first meeting with the Wisconsin Badgers, 64-60, in the Xfinity Center. Bruno Fernando won his matchup against Ethan Happ and Anthony Cowan Jr. recorded 21 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in round one. Since that loss, the Badgers have gone on a four-game winning streak. All of those wins have been by 10 or more points.
Maryland basketball got their bell rung against No. 6 Michigan State and turnovers caused them to lose a game they should have won to the Illinois Illini. After getting a much-needed win against Northwestern, the Terps aren’t facing the same Badger team they beat in January.
In the matchup between these two teams in College Park, foul trouble was a theme. Both Fernando and Happ got into foul trouble early. From my observation, that affected the Wisconsin Badgers and Ethan Happ’s rhythm which forced Nate Reuvers to take over. Now the Terps know that he is a factor.
In the second matchup between the two teams, Happ and Reuvers will be ready to make a statement on their home floor. I look for foul trouble to be a factor again in the game. Whichever team can capitalize on their fast break opportunities and win the points in the paint battle will win this game.
Maryland basketball got to the free throw line way more than Wisconsin did with 29 attempts compared to six on the Badgers end. Will that change the second time around?
Expect another close game. The Wisconsin Badgers are on a roll right now and with their fans behind them, it may be a tough environment to maneuver especially if the Terps start making mistakes.