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

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

By Connor Hope | Nov 4, 2019

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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HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – MARCH 21: Tommy Kuhse #12 of the Saint Mary’s Gaels controls the ball against Collin Gillespie #2 of the Villanova Wildcats in the first half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 21, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

3) Limit fouls and turnovers

Because the Badgers and Gaels both play at a slow, methodical tempo, the team that loses the battle of mistakes will likely be at a huge disadvantage. Because there won’t be a ton of possessions in this game, any possession that does not end in a shot on offense should be considered a massive failure.

This responsibility falls primarily on the shoulders of Jordan Ford, Kristers Zoriks, Logan Johnson and Tommy Kuhse who will all have major minutes in Randy Bennett’s backcourt rotation. Wisconsin didn’t force a ton of turnovers last season, and this should help the Gaels move the ball with confidence as they look for the open shot.

On defense, however, turnovers will also be at a premium, as Wisconsin was one of the most efficient teams in the country when it came to limiting giveaways. While forcing turnovers isn’t the best strategy, the Gaels should be aware that Wisconsin will likely try to draw fouls and get to the line. If the backcourt can’t hold the guards and wings to jump shots, the frontcourt of Malik Fitts, Aaron Menzies, Matthias Tass and Jock Perry needs to defend the paint without being overly aggressive.

Next. Keys for Wisconsin against Saint Mary's. dark

The Badgers don’t really have the talent to beat the Gaels outright, but if Saint Mary’s Basketball makes too many mistakes on either end of the floor, this game could go down to the wire.