SPORTS
5 keys 4 UW
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Eric C. Krueger:
- 5 Keys 4 UW (March 9, 2007)
- 5 Keys 4 UW (January 31, 2007)
- 5 Keys 4 UW (February 7, 2007)
- 5 Keys 4 UW (February 14, 2007)
- 5 Keys 4 UW (February 23, 2007)
Related Stories:
- UW rebounds well from loss (March 5, 2007)
- Badgers set to face a scrappy Spartans team (February 6, 2003)
- Spartans rebounding for NCAA run (February 11, 2003)
- Women's basketball preview (February 5, 2004)
- Sharif Chambliss returns to Happy Valley as UW looks to rebound (January 28, 2005)
by Eric C. Krueger
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
1. Win the battle of the boards
Michigan State and Wisconsin are first and second in the conference, respectively, in rebounding margin. Izzo's teams are known for being strong on the glass and the Badgers must out-rebound the Spartans to get the road win.
2. Hit some early 3s
Saturday against Penn State, Wisconsin really hit its stride following a pair of Jason Bohannon 3-pointers. The rest of the Badgers fed off of this positive energy and a similar surge of momentum will go a long way toward earning the win at Michigan State.
3. Get in the passing lanes
Michigan State leads the conference in assists, but the Spartans also turn the ball over more than any other Big Ten team. Active hands on the defensive end should be able to disrupt passes, prevent easy baskets and lead to steals.
4. Force Neitzel into taking bad shots
While a prolific scorer, Drew Neitzel is prone to forcing tough shots instead of giving the ball up. Getting him to take contested shots will not only keep the Spartans' shooting percentage down, but will also frustrate the streaky point guard.
5. Handle Izzo's adjustments
Tom Izzo is one of the best coaches in the country. No halftime lead is safe against the Spartans as Izzo always seems to fire his team up in the locker room. If the Badgers get an early lead, they will have to come out in the second half ready for anything.
Anonymous (February 21, 2007 @ 7:41am):
3 out of 5 ain't bad, but you couldn't make any 3s late, and Neitzel buried his bad shots.
Add a comment
We welcome your thoughts, but please keep your feedback thoughtful, on-topic and respectful. Offensive language, personal attacks, or irrelevant comments may be deleted.
Login...
Not registered? Sign up now.
It's quick, free, and the email address you provide will not be sold or solicited.
