Busting Brackets
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3 keys for Wisconsin Basketball to upset Purdue Boilermakers in Big Ten clash

By Thomas J. Brown

Jan 10, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Steven Crowl (22) puts his hands on his head during a timeout during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Steven Crowl (22) puts his hands on his head during a timeout during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wisconsin Basketball
Wisconsin Basketball guard Chucky Hepburn llinois Fighting Illini Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Knock down open shots!

Anyone who has followed the Wisconsin Badgers this year knows that part of the reason they have had such an up-and-down season has been their inability to score the basketball. Although they have four players who are averaging in double figures in points per game, a closer look at the numbers reveals a lot of room for improvement on the offensive end.

The team’s top two scorers, Sophomore guard Chucky Hepburn and Freshman guard Connor Essegian, are each averaging 12.1 points per game. Those are solid numbers, but the majority of teams in Division 1 are led by players whose scoring output is significantly higher. Hepburn and Essegian deserve credit for carrying the offensive load, but the team must perform above their usual standards if they are going to pull off an upset on Thursday night.

So far this season, the Badgers are averaging 65.1 points per game. That is significantly fewer than their upcoming opponent, the Purdue Boilermakers, are averaging at 73.4 points per game. In addition to averaging one of the lowest point totals in the Big Ten, the Badgers are also shooting the ball at a lower percentage than most. Their overall field goal percentage is a dismal 41.5 percent.

That is indicative of a team that is not passing the ball enough to generate quality looks for players who do not create their own shot off the dribble. This theory is confirmed by the fact that their leading scorer, Chucky Hepburn, is also leading the team in assists at 3.0 dimes per night. Three assists per game is solid, but preferably the leading playmaker on the team would set his teammates up for made baskets more often.

The rest of Wisconsin’s shooting splits are also far from ideal. They are shooting 66.2 percent as a team from the free throw line and 35.5 percent as a team from the 3-point arc. These numbers will not get it done against Purdue. If the Badgers are going to get another quality win in front of their hometown fans they must concentrate on making shots!

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