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3 Keys for Wisconsin Basketball against Xavier

By Rayan Vatti

Mar 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) and guard Bronson Koenig (24) share a laugh late in the game during the second half in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament at the United Center. The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Michigan Wolverines 71-60. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) and guard Bronson Koenig (24) share a laugh late in the game during the second half in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament at the United Center. The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Michigan Wolverines 71-60. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Keys for the Wisconsin basketball team against Xavier

Xavier seems like a horrible matchup for the Wisconsin Basketball team. The two-seeded Musketeers have incredible balance, beating teams in a variety of different ways. They have quick guards, a surplus of dangerous shooters, and a lot of size and athleticism in their frontcourt. They are also one of the deepest teams in the country, offering a sharp contrast to Wisconsin.

Related Story: Wisconsin-Xavier Primer

But hey, this is March, right? Middle Tennessee beat Michigan State. Even Tom Crean won a big game yesterday. If that can happen, anything can happen. Here are 3 things Wisconsin must do to have a chance against Xavier.

1. Control the Tempo

While Wisconsin plays at one of the slowest paces in the country, Xavier is the opposite. According to Ken Pomeroy, the Musketeers have the 2nd fastest adjusted tempo out of all the teams that made the NCAA Tournament.

It goes without saying that Wisconsin can’t afford to get into a track meet with Xavier. If this game is play at Xavier’s pace, it will be a blow out and an embarrassment of epic proportions.

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Luckily, Wisconsin has been really good at forcing teams to play at their own grind-it-out pace over the last few years. They do that by limiting live ball turnovers, getting back on defense, and using all of the shot clock to get a good shot. If they can force Xavier to play at a tempo they aren’t used to, Wisconsin will have a chance to win.

2. Stars Must be Stars

In Friday’s victory over Pittsburgh, Wisconsin’s veteran duo of Bronson Koenig and Nigel Hayes were a combined 4-25 shooting for 14 points. If that happens tonight, Wisconsin will have no chance. None. Unlike Pittsburgh, Xavier will not score less than 50 points. Hayes and Koenig need to step up and lead the Badgers.

In Wisconsin’s wins against Michigan State, Indiana, and Maryland this season, Koenig and Hayes averaged 39 points combined points. That is the type of effort the Badgers need from their two playmakers if they want to keep their season alive.

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3. Hit 3’s

Xavier has the tendency to give up a lot of open 3’s, especially in the corners. Wisconsin must hit a lot of them at a high percentage. It is easier said than done, but the Badgers have shown the ability to get hot at times this season.

After their shooting slump in their last two games, an optimist could argue that they are due for a great shooting day. Zak Showalter may find himself the recipient of a lot of open looks given his struggles lately. If he can find a way to knock some down, Wisconsin will have a good chance to pull the upset.

However, if Wisconsin has another cold shooting day, this game is going to get ugly. Xavier will take advantage of the long misses by getting easy transition buckets before Wisconsin can set up their defense. So if Wisconsin shoots anywhere near how poorly they shot against Pittsburgh and Xavier, this could be a 30-point game.

Next: Staff Predictions for Wisconsin-Xavier

As you can see, this is not going to be an easy upset. But if Wisconsin can control the pace of the game, hit their 3’s, and have their stars step up, the Badgers will have a chance to win.

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