SPORTS
5 Keys 4 UW
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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:
- Down, but not out (March 12, 2007)
- Fresh faces lead the way (February 26, 2007)
- OSU blocks UW's title hopes (February 26, 2007)
- Sunday best: Badgers, Bucks brawl for Big Ten (February 23, 2007)
- Big Ten honors for Tucker, Wisconsin (October 30, 2006)
by Eric C. Krueger
Friday, February 23, 2007
1. Get Kam involved
Despite the best efforts of Alando Tucker and Marcus Landry against Michigan State, the Wisconsin offense was stagnant due in large part to the absence of strong point guard play. When Kammron Taylor plays well, the Badgers play well. 2. Go at Oden
Like all good shot blockers, despite what may seem obvious, Greg Oden is most effective when an offensive player fades away to avoid getting his shot blocked. If the Badgers penetrate and find Oden between them and the basket, they must go into him and draw contact, both to avoid getting their shots blocked and to get the freshman in foul trouble.
3. Box out
The Buckeyes can afford to shoot tons of 3s because they have the league's leading rebounder, Oden, under the basket to clean up their misses. Putting a body on him will be important, as will boxing out shooters, as long shots tend to result in long rebounds, especially in light of UW's 41-24 butt-kicking on the glass by Michigan State Tuesday.
4. Get to the rim and line
The Badgers, who lead the league in free throw attempts (25 per game), only shot 12 in their loss to Michigan State Tuesday. If Wisconsin is to get the road victory, it will need to not only earn free throws, but also capitalize on opportunities.
5. Don't panic
Much like in the loss at Indiana earlier this season, Wisconsin panicked in the closing minutes of the game at MSU. If the Badgers find themselves in a similar situation Sunday, they must be patient, continue to run the offense, and not settle for quick 3-pointers.
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