Wisconsin Basketball Survives Against Western Kentucky

Wisconsin won a classic versus a quality Western Kentucky team by a score of 81 to 80. It was a back-and-forth affair that remained close throughout. With 1:10 to go, a Brevin Pritzl spin-move and finish extended Wisconsin’s lead to five. But Western Kentucky answered with an old-fashioned three-point play. After some poor free throw shooting by the Badgers, the Hilltoppers tied the game on...

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Survive is the correct answer. The Hilltoppers are a good team, even though they only dress 8 players. They at least need some quality walk-ons, who can fill the bench, and soak up minutes if needed. That said, remember... they beat Purdue on a neutral court. Pretty good team there.

The Badgers are lethargic, and just plain don't move the ball like they did in the past. Is it a lack of experience? No! It's a lack of coaching them to always be moving, and change their appearance on offense continuously, to keep the defense off balance. That was what Bo Ryan thrived on, and Gard learned. What happened to it? I saw them standing around, wondering why WKU was covering them so well. Really? Can't figure it out? My wife did, watching bits and pieces of the game.

There's some talent on this Badger team, but something is lacking. Watching Iverson's demeanor on the floor pretty much told me that when things aren't going his way, he's a brooder. He got out of that funk later in the game, but he was pretty much a no-show until then. Give Schlundt a chance. The kid could be a good shooter. Let him and Pritzl work the shooting guard position and put Davison permanently in as a point guard. When Trice comes back, let him spell Davison. He's certainly not good enough to play regularly at this time. Use Aleem Ford as a starter, in place of Iverson. He can be spelled by Iverson, and Reuvers. Reuvers can be used to replace Happ when he's on the bench.

When Kobe King is healthy, work on his skills by giving him time at the point, and shooting guard. He has potential, just needs experience.

I liked what I saw at times against WKU, but this standing around and being a spectator is dumb. You don't win that way.

Gard needs to get a little tougher on his players. Bo was always pushing and coaching. We need that fire.