Wisconsin Wonder

The Badgers did it again, beating Indiana for the 11th straight time and on the road to boot.  IU can improve all they want but without experience at the point they will continue to struggle against teams like Wisconsin that will slow it down on them.  True there are not many teams quite like the Badgers, but as VCU proved in round two of the NCAA tourney last year, the Hoosiers need to improve in the halfcourt offense in the two months leading up to March Madness.  Indiana--really any squad that loves to score via the break--is vulnerable to opponents that rebound and keep turnovers to a minimum.  Last night was a great learning lesson for the wonderfully talented freshman Yogi Ferrell, and he will improve, but until he fully blossoms the greatness of the Hoosier frontcourt must dominate games like this without the basketball.  Hustle down the court, beat your man to optimal spots on the court, get on the boards etc.  And the guards need to shoot a whole lot better in crunch time if this team hopes to reach the elite eight or better.  As for the fantasy outlook for Indiana players, well you still should be gunning for them but perhaps temper your excitement based on possible tournament match-ups.
As for the Badgers, well they are what they are.  Wisconsin is on a great roll at the moment and as we know from history they can be quite a nuisance in March.  Last night also proved that it is better to look for bargains from this team in later rounds then to commit too early for their scoring leaders.  Of its top three scorers, Jared Berggren, Ryan Evans and Ben Brust, only Evans with 13 points hit double figures last night.  Meanwhile guard Traevon Jackson, who averages 5.6 points on the season, scored twice that with 11 points.  Jackson, frosh Sam Dekker and annual favorite Mike Bruesewitz may all provide better value in later rounds than the big three scorers.  Heck 6'11 soph Frank Kaminsky drained two three pointers in the first half before leaving the game with an eye injury.  He only averages 4.6 a game but could have easily scored 10 or more last night.