As is tradition this season, the Badgers got off to a slow start, shooting 31% in the opening half. Luckily Michigan was uncharacteristically ice cold as well, shooting 21% from the field, a far cry from their 50% season average. Wisconsin's defense did play a major role though, and didn't allow a field goal over the last seven minutes in the first.
The offense wasn't much better in the second half, finishing the game at just 34%, but the bigger concern was how bad Wisconsin was against the Michigan big men.
Wisconsin was bullied inside all night by the Michigan seven-footers Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin. Part of the issue was Steven Crowl's foul trouble, but the Wolverine duo combined for 44 points against a Badger D that just had no answers to the pick-and-roll. Without a true rim-protector, bigger, more physical teams could continue to give Wisconsin trouble throughout the season.
Max Klesmit's struggles continued as he failed to scored double-digits for his fourth straight game. Over those four games he has shot just 23% from the field. It's nothing to be concerned about yet, but the senior is certainly in a slump and had some costly missed shots in this game.
John Blackwell took over the game on a few separate occasions and finished with 16 points to go along with a team-leading 9 rebounds, including four offensive boards. He's firmly established himself as the number two option on offense outside of John Tonje and does pretty much everything for the Badgers.
It's the first loss of the season for Wisconsin. Michigan is a very good team and will likely be ranked next week, but the defensive concerns finally cost the Badgers. They'll have thier hands full with No. 5 Marquette this Saturday.