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Wisconsin Basketball: Keys to success against Saint Mary’s in 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

MADISON, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 22: Brad Davison #34 of the Wisconsin Badgers is defended by Lasani Johnson #5 of the Grambling State Tigers during the first half at Kohl Center on December 22, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 22: Brad Davison #34 of the Wisconsin Badgers is defended by Lasani Johnson #5 of the Grambling State Tigers during the first half at Kohl Center on December 22, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 22: King of the Badgers dribbles. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 22: King of the Badgers dribbles. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /

Wisconsin basketball lost Ethan Happ this offseason but the roster is still quite talented. What will it take to upset nationally-ranked Saint Mary’s?

Wisconsin basketball season is finally here. After a long offseason of waiting, the opening tip of the Badgers’ rigorous non-conference schedule is on the horizon. In the first game of the new campaign, Wisconsin will be traveling to a somewhat atypical location as the team will be facing off against Saint Mary’s at a neutral-site location in South Dakota. Considering the Gaels’ status as a preseason top-25 team in the country, this will definitely prove to be a difficult challenge for head coach Greg Gard’s team.

WHO: Wisconsin Badgers (0-0) vs. No. 20 Saint Mary’s Gaels (0-0)

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 9:00 p.m. ET

WHERE: Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD

TV SCHEDULE: ESPNU

With regards to projections for Wisconsin’s 2019-20 season, many experts have varying opinions. This is mostly due to how people view the team following the departure of senior superstar center Ethan Happ. The 6-foot-10 big man held down the paint for the Badgers exceptionally well over the past few seasons as an All-American caliber performer. It is also important to mention that Khalil Iverson also graduated as a full-time starter.

Even with these two crucial losses, though, the Badgers still return a strong overall core. Brad Davison, D’Mitrik Trice, and Nate Reuvers are all back as major contributors while Kobe King, Aleem Ford, and Brevin Pritzl are likely to fill out the wing. There are obvious concerns regarding frontcourt depth, especially while the availability of Micah Potter is still up in the air, but this team is talented enough to compete for an NCAA Tournament bid this season.

This battle with Saint Mary’s might just be the first game of the entire season but it could have major implications on a Big Dance resume down the road. A neutral-site win over the Gaels would be a superb start to making a case for an at-large bid. So, with the opening tip of the season closing in, let’s take a dive into analyzing some potential keys to success for Wisconsin basketball against Saint Mary’s.

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