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

By Connor Hope

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 21: Jordan Ford #3 and Tommy Kuhse #12 of the Saint Mary's Gaels walk off the court after being defeated by the Villanova Wildcats during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 21, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. Villanova defeated Saint Mary's 61-57. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 21: Jordan Ford #3 and Tommy Kuhse #12 of the Saint Mary's Gaels walk off the court after being defeated by the Villanova Wildcats during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 21, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. Villanova defeated Saint Mary's 61-57. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 12: Malik Fitts #24 of the Saint Mary’s Gaels is fouled as he drives against Geno Crandall #0 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 12, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Gaels defeated the Bulldogs 60-47. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 12: Malik Fitts #24 of the Saint Mary’s Gaels is fouled as he drives against Geno Crandall #0 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 12, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Gaels defeated the Bulldogs 60-47. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

2) Challenge the Badgers in the paint

No team lost more from a single graduation this offseason than the Wisconsin Badgers without Ethan Happ. Happ had been the centerpiece of both the offense and defense for the Badgers, and his loss opens a huge hole that must be filled.

While junior big man Nate Reuvers promises to be one of the best rim defenders in the country, he has also had his share of foul issues. If the Gaels can draw Reuvers away from the paint to defend a big or put him on the bench with foul trouble, that leaves a group of largely unproven bigs to defend inside.

The Gaels may be one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country, but Jordan Ford, Malik Fitts, and Tanner Krebs all have the capability to drive and score. With Wisconsin losing basically none of their incredibly perimeter defenders, scoring at the rim may be the best option.

One thing the Gaels will need to be aware of, however, is Badger guard Brad Davison’s position on the floor. Davison earned a reputation last season for his elite ability to draw charges, and with such a slow-paced game, the Gaels cannot afford any turnovers from offensive fouls.