Ohio State coach says one surprising player changed the whole game

Jake Diebler was frustrated after the game with his team's execution during the loss to Wisconsin. The Badgers found open men, easy shots, and exposed some of the holes. At least, that's what Diebler said was a big problem and why Wisconsin won the game. Diebler gives one player a lot of the credit, especially in the first half, Austin Rapp.

Austin Rapp went off in the first half, scoring 19 points and 5-7 from three. There was even one specific moment when Rapp cleaned up a board, took a step behind the line, and drained a three. Diebler couldn't believe it and, after the game, said, "For him to get off seven threes, that's not executing at a high level."

Austin Rapp was a huge surprise for the Wisconsin Badgers against Ohio State

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This may have been what Greg Gard expected from Rapp when he signed him out of the transfer portal. However, Rapp has struggled with both consistency and defensive fundamentals. Gard has challenged him to be more aggressive and physical, for they need his scoring off the bench.

Rapp did just that and was able to play 20 minutes in the game. Diebler was able to find an answer for Rapp's hot hand in the second half, as he didn't score again after halftime. The damage was already done. Rapp had single-handedly changed the momentum in the first half, and the rest of the Wisconsin team never let it go. They cruised to a victory.

The big question is whether Rapp can find this version of himself consistently. The next game may even matter more than the current one, as everyone will be curious to see which version of Rapp they are going to get. This one against Ohio State is the one that Wisconsin needs to succeed at a high level this year.