Michigan State 64 Wisconsin 61 in Overtime at the Breslin Center in East Lansing tonight. Normally losing to the Spartains on the road is not a big concern but this was not Badger basketball in the last 2:47 of regulation and in the overtime. What happened?
UW led by nine but fell apart down the stretch and suffered a terrible loss. Michigan State (11-5)had been slumping badly but just pulled out the kind of comeback that can turn a season around. Wisconsin (12-4) falls to 2-2 in the Big Ten and hopefully they can quickly get past this and start playing Badger basketball once again.
This Badger team seemed to have no plays to go to when it mattered most. It just did not look like a Bo Ryan coached team tonight. Disappointed is not a strong enough word. I thought that Jordan Taylor (21 points tonight) and Jon Leuer (only 10) would be the go-to guys this season but they just don't seem to have what it takes. I don't know much about Rob Wilson yet but it is clear that this team might not have enough talent. Bo Ryan is such a good coach that he can usually get the best out of his players even without a lot of talent but not tonight!
It is early yet but March Madness without Bucky would not be the same. Right now I am worried. I am going to enjoy the opening round while in Vegas this year so obviously I need the Badgers to be part of it. I need them to be worth betting on.
I'm not seeing this. Yes, last night's game was a disappointing loss for Badger fans. Especially since the Badgers blew a 9 point lead with 2:39 to play but Michigan State is a quality opponent on the road. Wisconsin has a ways to go as a team and will likely struggle to see the Sweet 16 this season but I don't see them missing the tournament. They still have huge games against Ohio State, Illinois at home, and Michigan State at home, as well as the Big 10 tournament and already have a quality road win over Marquette. I would look for the Badgers to finish with another 20 win season and end up as a 5-6 seed in March. They have too much talent and are too well coached to miss the dance.
ReplyDeleteI hope your right Paul. Thanks for the optimsim.
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