After missing its previous five games due to COVID-related issues, Nebraska basketball received a rude “welcome back” dropping the past two games. The Huskers look to put an end to their 24 conference game losing streak, as they welcome Wisconsin to Pinnacle Bank Arena for some Wednesday night hoops.
Previous Meeting
The pair last met on Dec. 22, which went in favor of the Badgers in a 67-53 Big Ten opener. The Huskers gave the ninth ranked Badgers everything they could handle leading by as many as 19-9 with 5:47 remaining in the first half. It seemed as though Nebraska was intent on making a Northwestern-like upset of Wisconsin.
It looked as though the Huskers might run away with the game until the Badgers’ defense took control. Turnover after turnover led to a Wisconsin run of 16-4 to close out the first half.
The second half was all Wisconsin as the Huskers failed to capitalize on key opportunities. Adding to the Nebraska’s woes, the leading scorer for the Huskers Teddy Allen fouled out after only playing a total of 25 minutes. The Badgers defense ultimately won them the game routing the Huskers in the second half.
Nebraska Basketball Game Preview
This will be a matchup of two very different offenses. One wants to run the floor, take quick shots sprint back and create turnovers. The other team wishes to slow the game down and force the opponent to play the game at their pace. Nebraska might be on a seven-game losing streak, but the Huskers defense has been great at stopping teams from hitting the three, one of Wisconsin’s strong suits.
Nebraska has held its last eight opponents to 38% or under from behind the arc. Wisconsin has found success when it shoots at least 37% from three. Something has to give. After shooting just 4-for-24 from three-point range in their loss against Illinois the Huskers will look to continue that trend for Wisconsin.
Wisconsin will hope to slow the game down and rely on its amazing defense to win the ballgame. Nebraska will hope to create turnovers a category in which it ranks third in the Big Ten this season. The game may ultimately come down to who moves the ball and makes the smartest shots. Wisconsin is not a team that scores 85-plus as it beats you with gritty defense, a quality Nebraska has struggled to overcome.
Final Thoughts
The Badgers have won the last six matchups against the Huskers. Nebraska plays a very up-tempo style of offense and when forced to play down to the level of a team such as Wisconsin, the Huskers tend to struggle. Another huge disadvantage Nebraska faces is whether or not lead scorer Teddy Allen will be available to play.
Allen was benched last week due to a failure to meet internal expectations according to head coach Fred Hoiberg.
Nebraska has all the weapons it needs to take down a team such as Wisconsin. Yet a team still trying to find its identity will always struggle against a senior-led program such as the Badgers.
Game Info
Date: Feb. 10
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
TV: BTN
Spread: Wisconsin -11
O/U: 137.5
Photo by Dylan Widger | The Daily Nebraskan
