Wisconsin Basketball: Keys for Badgers to beat Oregon in Round of 64

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 16: Ethan Happ #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers dribbles the ball while being guarded by Thomas Kithier #15 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during the semifinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 16, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 15: James Palmer Jr. #0 of the Nebraska Huskers attempts a shot while being guarded by Aleem Ford #2 and Nate Reuvers #35 of the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

1. Wisconsin has to match Oregon’s defensive efforts

Dana Altman has Oregon playing some good defense this season. The Ducks haven’t allowed more than 70 points in regulation in almost a month. Arizona State did score 75 total points in the Pac-12 semi-finals, but that was a thrilling overtime game that sent Oregon to the finals. Washington averages 69 points per game. Oregon held them to just 48 in the Championship.

Wisconsin, on the other hand, has been holding teams to their season-low in scoring as well. The Badgers went on a huge six-game winning streak after losing four out of five earlier in the year. During all those wins, the Badgers held all their opponents to their season-lows. It all starts with how much of an improvement Nate Reuvers has made this season. He was a raw freshman last year who had intentions of redshirting, but after all the injuries, he was thrown into the fire. That earned him a spot in the starting lineup this season which he hasn’t given up. The sophomore plays the least minutes out of any starter, but he’s still trying to grow into his role.

Wisconsin has two guys averaging at least one block per game. Happ has 44 total this season while Reuvers is at 60. He had a nine-block game against Stanford in the Bahamas this season. Reuvers blocked seven shots at the Barn against Minnesota and five vs. Penn State. He’s only had seven games where he hasn’t blocked a shot.

The unsung hero of the Wisconsin defense is Khalil Iverson. The senior doesn’t quite average one steal per game and only has 13 blocks, but he is such a lockdown defender. Iverson has done such a great job against star players in the Big Ten this season. He usually draws the best offensive player from the other team. Iverson will more than likely not get Payton Pritchard, but he could go up against any of the other 6-foot-9 starters for Oregon and be a real problem for them.

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