Wisconsin Badgers Defeat Indiana Hoosiers In Big Ten Tournament

Published: 9^th Mar 12 3:49 pm

by Michael Terrill
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Wisconsin Badgers Defeat Indiana Hoosiers In Big Ten Tournament

Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

The #12 Wisconsin Badgers defeated #15 Indiana Hoosiers 79-71 in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament.

The Badgers and Hoosiers played extremely well in a high-intensity ballgame similar to what the March Madness Tournament atmosphere will be like next week.

These teams were so evenly matched the statistics mirrored each other in nearly every category. Indiana shot 49 percent from the field while Wisconsin was right behind them with 48.2 percent. Both teams hauled in 26 rebounds but the Badgers had the upper hand with 16 assists to the Hoosiers eight.

Indiana had the advantage at the foul line getting there 22 times and converting on 81.8 percent of their opportunities while Wisconsin reached the line 16 times shooting 75 percent. One of the major differences in the game was the Badgers ability to convert from behind the arc. While both teams shot 50 percent from the three, Wisconsin made 13 compared to Indiana’s three. In an eight-point ballgame there is no doubt that the 30 point advantage was the difference.

Another huge reason the Badgers came out victorious was 30 points off the bench compared to Indiana’s seven. What is even more spectacular about the 30 points is it all came at the hands of Rob Wilson, who was by far the player of the game. Wilson made 68.7 percent of his shots from the field and 70 percent from behind the arc which gave way to Wisconsin constantly having big leads.

Indiana’s offense never gave up as Jordan Hulls, Christian Watford, and Cody Zeller scored 17 points each to bring the large point differential within reach. Unfortunately for the Hoosiers it was not enough as they were never able to regain the lead after losing it with 16:17 left in the first half.

Wisconsin will take on the Michigan State Spartans Saturday afternoon. The Badgers lost both meetings this year with the Spartans as Michigan State got revenge for the Big Ten Championship loss in football to Wisconsin. The first game between the two teams ended in a 63-60 overtime victory for the Spartans in Madison while the second game was a Michigan State blowout at home.

Of course, none of this matters tomorrow when the one and four seeds clash for the right to play in the Big Ten Championship Game.