Minnesota Men's Basketball

Minnesota Basketball-Previewing Wisconsin

Minnesota's husk of a team takes on the rival from the East.

By Ustreet@UStreetTDG Mar 2, 2016, 6:26am CST

In addition to all of the awful news surrounding the basketball team, they also have a game to play this week. Minnesota takes on Wisconsin at Williams Arena. Minnesota is 2-14 in conference and 8-20 on the season. The Badgers are once again likely heading to the tournament and stand 11-5 in conference and 19-10 overall.

Provide Me the Essentials to View this Game

Who are the Gophers Playing

Wisconsin Badgers

What time are they playing

8pm CST

Where are they playing

Williams Arena

Can I watch the game on TV

Yes. BTN

Can I listen to the game on the radio

Yes. 1500ESPN.

Tell me more about the Opponent

After Bo Ryan retired, Wisconsin briefly went on tilt before returning to their usual style of play. The Badgers are an efficient basketball team that have won 10 of their last 11 games.

Unlike last year's historic offense, Wisconsin is winning this year with defense. The Badgers are third in the conference in adjusted defensive efficiency, giving up fewer than one point per possession. They are turning their opponents over on one fifth of all possessions and do without fouling extensively. Wisconsin's two point defense is excellent, though they are giving up three point looks at a higher clip than usual.

On offense, the Badgers run the same offense that they have run since Bo Ryan arrived at the program. They are the slowest tempo team in conference, but still efficient. Wisconsin averages about 1.03 points per possession. Nigel Hayes, Bronson Koenig, and Ethan Happ lead the team in scoring. Hayes continues to be excellent, and will hopefully make the leap to the NBA next year.

Ultimately though, the opponent doesn't matter. Minnesota was going to lose this game no matter who they faced.

Keys to the Game

Play Hard. Illinois was one thing, but Wisconsin is actually a good basketball team. There are no expectation tonight for the Gophers. Minnesota will not be favored, and will likely lose by 20. It would be nice to see Stephon Sharp settle down a bit into the role of starting PG, but that's searching for green shoots.

Predictions

Wisconsin by 20. 70-50
Jordan Murphy has another double double.
No one spends any time talking about this game.