Unraveling Wisconsin Basketball's Struggles
Wisconsin Has a Rebounding Problem
Illinois entered Tuesday as one of the best rebounding teams in the country. Wisconsin, on the other hand, had struggled on the glass against Michigan and Marquette. The result was predictable as Illinois grabbed 40 rebounds (15 offensive) compared to Wisconsin's 29. Steven Crowl's zero rebounds in the game was a significant reason for this discrepancy. As the season continues, the Badgers are facing more challenges on the glass, especially against the Big Ten's bigger teams. This is a reality that needs to be addressed.
Dec 10, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) pulls down a rebound during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Illinois Freshman Kasparas Jakucionis is that Good
Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis had a big night with 24 points, six rebounds, five assists on 8-of-15 shooting and 4-of-8 from three. His dominance wasn't due to anything the Badgers did wrong. He is flying up NBA draft big boards with his hot start to his freshman season. Wisconsin may be relieved that he doesn't seem to be a long-term team leader.
Dec 10, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) drives between Wisconsin Badgers forward Carter Gilmore (7) and Nolan Winter (31) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Wisconsin Can't Win with Steven Crowl Playing like This
The most significant takeaway from the loss was the play of Badgers center Steven Crowl. He finished with nine points, zero rebounds, and one assist on 3-of-9 shooting. While the scoring is not a major concern as the team has depth, the rebounding is a major issue and a big part of the team's struggles. Greg Gard reacted postgame, questioning why Crowl had no rebounds. Crowl's slow start to the season continues, with averages of just 7.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists through the first 11 games. His play over the last three games defines the team's losing streak:
vs. Michigan: 22 minutes, two points, four rebounds, 1/5 shooting, 0/2 from three
at Marquette: 28 minutes, two points, four rebounds, 1/5 shooting, 0/1 from three
at Illinois: 19 minutes, nine points, zero rebounds, 3/9 shooting, 1/4 from three
Either his totals will improve, or Gard may need to find more lineups with Nolan Winter at center and Carter Gilmore or Xavier Amos at forward.
Good News: Bench Contributors Continue Strong Play
There are some positives to take from the game. The Badgers remain balanced offensively with Max Klesmit, Nolan Winter, John Blackwell, and John Tonje all in double figures. Top bench contributors Kamari McGee, Carter Gilmore, and Jack Janicki also played well. The trio combined for 14 points, eight rebounds, and six assists on 6-of-10 shooting. Gilmore stood out, continuing his strong start to his senior campaign. Gard even mentioned the need to find more minutes for Janicki and praised Gilmore's contribution.
Dec 10, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgrtfsd players react on a score during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Free Throws Were the Difference
Wisconsin had a chance in the second half when Illinois committed fouls and put the Badgers in the bonus. However, they didn't get to the line enough and struggled when they did. The Badgers finished 14-of-21 from the free throw line (66%) and lost by six points. Foul shooting clearly made a big difference in the end result.
Nov 15, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard is shown during the second half of their game Friday, November 15, 2024 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Unranked Wisconsin upset Arizona 103-88. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Wisconsin Continues Late-Game Struggles
Wisconsin lost a late lead against Michigan and trailed the entire second half against Marquette. On Tuesday night, they couldn't find defensive stops when the game was in balance, following a similar pattern. This continues a larger trend of late-game struggles, especially on defense.
Dec 10, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) reaches for the ball as Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) drives to the basket during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
John Tonje is Starting to Struggle Offensively
Wisconsin won early-season games over Arizona and Pittsburgh with dominant performances from transfer wing John Tonje. But since then, he has started to struggle on the offensive end. His last three games show a dip in production:
vs. Michigan: 18 points on 5-of-12 shooting
at Marquette: 14 points on 3-of-11 shooting
at Illinois: 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting
Teams are paying more attention to him offensively after his breakout start. This attention may explain the dip in production, but not the full shooting struggles.
Dec 10, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) drives the ball around Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Time to Recalibrate Expectations
Wisconsin's three-game losing streak not only dropped them in the AP Poll but also exposed several flaws that may persist throughout the season. The Badgers are still struggling to defend, are not a good rebounding team, and struggle to make big plays late in the game. These traits don't usually lead to success in the Big Ten season. The 8-0 start pointed to potential success, but it's time to lower expectations until the team plays better against Big Ten competition.
Dec 3, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin head coach head coach Greg Gard is shown during the first half of their game against Michigan Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
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