| Max Klesmit | G | Sr. | 6-4/204 | He averages 10.4 points and leads Wisconsin with 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game this season. His 113 3-point attempts are also 25 more 3-pointers (113) than any other Badger, making 33 of them. |
| John Blackwell | G | So. | 6-4/204 | He is scoring 16.4 points per game on 48.6 percent shooting while averaging 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game on the season. |
| John Tonje | G | Sr. | 6-5/218 | Former Omaha Central standout who leads Wisconsin and ranks eighth in the Big Ten in scoring at 17.5 points per game. He’s also hit a team-high 34 3-pointers at a 38.6% clip. |
| Steven Crowl | F | Sr. | 7-0/248 | He’s averaging 10.4 points per game on 52.7 percent shooting and ranks second on the team in rebounding (5.5 rpg) and assists (2.5 apg). |
| Nolan Winter | F | So. | 7-0/235 | He averages 10.4 points per game on 61 percent shooting from the field and leads Wisconsin with 5.8 rebounds per game. |
3 keys to victory
Control the tempo
One of the most fascinating aspects of Wisconsin’s 15-4 start this season is how head coach Greg Gard has done it by straying far from his comfort zone. The Badgers have taken on a starkly different identity this season. Rather than the plodding, ball-control style UW has used for decades, Gard embraced a modernized offense. Now, Wisconsin ranks third in the Big Ten in 3-point makes (182) and attempts (512) and is 10th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency (122.9). As a result, the Badgers come into today’s contest averaging 82.5 points per game. Nebraska must be locked in defensively from start to finish this afternoon, particularly in getting back in transition after every change of possession. If the Huskers allow Wisconsin to dictate the pace, it will be another long day in Madison.
Play smart
As mentioned, few teams in college basketball are more efficient than Wisconsin. That goes beyond its impressive overall offensive efficiency numbers, too. The Badgers also rank in the nation’s top 40 in effective field goal percentage (35th, 55.4), offensive turnover percentage (38th, 15.1), and offensive steal percentage (10th, 7.3). In other words, UW rarely makes mistakes. Meanwhile, unforced errors on both ends of the floor have killed Nebraska all season, especially during its five-game losing streak. The Huskers have such a small margin for error right now that they basically have to be perfect to have a chance at winning. Focus and decision-making will be critical from start to finish in this one.
Stay together
One of the greatest concerns that comes with an extended losing streak is doubt and pessimism creeping into your locker room. Nebraska’s body language after the home loss to USC couldn’t have been much worse, as frustration is clearly becoming a factor. The thing about adversity is that it exposes what a team is all about more than anything else. Head coach Fred Hoiberg said his team continued to show resilience over the past few days of practices. But spirited practices only mean so much until the Huskers are rewarded again with their first victory since Jan. 4. As NU looks for its first Big Ten road victory of the season, its players must rally around each other now more than ever. They cannot allow losses to fracture their continuity. If they do, the season will officially be lost.
Quotable
“It’s a game of runs to me. We’re on a five-game losing streak. We might go on a five-game winning streak. You don’t know. The word we harped on (Wednesday) was ‘believe.’” I believe in this team no matter what’s the outcome. I still got more belief than anybody in this world with this team I’m playing with.”
Senior forward Juwan Gary on Nebraska needing to keep the faitth during its five-game losing streak.
Prediction
Wisconsin (-7.5) 78, Nebraska 69
Robin’s season record: 16-3
Vs. the spread: 9-10
It’s game day for the Nebraska basketball team as they hit the road to take on Wisconsin in a crucial Big Ten matchup. The Huskers are looking to bounce back after a tough loss and secure a much-needed win on the road.
Wisconsin is known for their tough defense and physical play, so Nebraska will need to bring their A-game if they want to come out on top. With star players like Trey McGowens and Bryce McGowens leading the way, the Huskers have the talent to compete with the best in the conference.
Tune in tonight as Nebraska battles Wisconsin in what is sure to be an intense and exciting game. Let’s go Big Red! #Nebrasketball #GBR .
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Nebraska basketball, Nebraska vs Wisconsin, Nebraska Cornhuskers, NCAA basketball, Big Ten basketball, Nebraska game day, Nebraska basketball game, Wisconsin Badgers, college basketball, Nebraska Hoops, Wisconsin vs Nebraska, basketball game day.
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