Iowa
Like Wisconsin, Iowa had a year to forget in 2017-18. This Iowa team also didn’t lose anyone who played a significant role for the Hawkeyes last season, which should mean that an improvement is in store for 2018-19. One of the overarching concerns for Iowa is on the defensive end of the court. Teams were able to get to the rim at ease a season ago. The defensive struggles will be apparent for Iowa. Throw in the fact that it will be senior day and Ethan Happ will have a field day and the Hawkeyes are in trouble. He will make it look easy in this one and record a double-double and make his last game in the Kohl Center one to remember. Wisconsin wins.
At Ohio State
The final regular season game is finally upon us. The Badgers will end the year with a showdown with Ohio State in Columbus in an afternoon CBS game.
It is hard to replace the Big Ten Player of the Year and that is exactly what the Buckeyes will be doing this year with trying to replace Keita Bates-Diop (19.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg). Granted, Wisconsin won’t have the luxury of playing Ohio State early on in the Big Ten schedule and Ohio State should be near the top of the Big Ten standings once again when this one tips.
Along with Bates-Diop, Ohio State also lost 12.3 ppg in Jae’Sean Tate. Wisconsin will have to want to play a tough physical game and Davison will need to work extra hard to lock down Keyshawn Woods to give Wisconsin a chance in this one. Davison seems to show up in big games and I think he will provide the spark on both ends of the court in this one and Wisconsin will end the regular season happy. Wisconsin Wins.
All stats courtesy of ESPN and Sports Reference.