Wisconsin is the Big Ten’s leader and has been a surprise in college basketball because of its uncanny ability win close games.
The 10th-ranked Badgers won their 14 previous games by six or less points. They lost their only game in this situation on Nov. 15, when they fell 63-58 . 9 Providence, while playing without Johnny Davis, national player-of-the year candidate.
According to Wisconsin’s sports department, this is the first time that a Division I team has won so many games by less than two goals since 1986-87 when the 3-point line was introduced.
Fifth-year senior guard Brad Davison stated, “What comes with high pressure moments are great opportunities.” That’s how our team views it.
Wisconsin (23-3-5, 14-4), must win one of its remaining two games at home to be eligible for at least part of the Big Ten regular season title. The Badgers host No. 8 Purdue (13-5) on Tuesday, before welcoming last-place Nebraska (8-21, 2-16) to Kohl Center on Sunday.
Badgers believe their toughness and togetherness are the reasons they consistently win in clutches.
After Saturday’s 66-61 win at Rutgers , Davis said to reporters: “It’s no luck.” “No. Luck goes 50-50. In those games, we are 14-1
Matt Painter, Purdue’s coach, said Wisconsin excels in close games due to its ability to stay poised down the stretch. Wisconsin won 74 to 69 at Purdue Jan.
Painter stated, “The way they are playing and how they execute with 14 minutes left in the game is the same way they play with one minute remaining in the game.” It’s the same at the end. While you want to give the ball to your best player, you also want to make sure that you get a good shot. They do an excellent job at this. They also create many extra possessions by crashing the offensive glass.
Wisconsin is also known for its tenacity and it was apparent early in the season.
In November, the Badgers won Maui Invitational by eliminating a 16-point early deficit in a 69-58 win over Texas A&M before edged No. 14 Houston 65 – 63 and No. 19 Saint Mary’s, 61-55
Greg Gard, Wisconsin coach, said that some teams “show (grit), early.” “Some teams need to get a bit of exercise in order to feel strong enough. This group displayed some determination right from the beginning.
Wisconsin’s Big Ten schedule opened by matching the greatest comeback in school history. They rallied from 22 points down and beat Indiana 64-59 at home. With nine wins, the Badgers have a 9-2 road record.
It is worth noting, however, that Wisconsin’s close wins didn’t all come against NCAA Tournament-caliber opponents. It’s worth noting that Wisconsin’s close wins haven’t all been against NCAA Tournament-caliber teams.
These close calls could be the reason why certain metrics don’t regard Wisconsin as highly.
The Badgers rank 21st in NET rankings and 27th Ken Pomeroy ratings. Wisconsin is currently behind four Big Ten competitors: Purdue (Iowa), Illinois, and Ohio State.
FanDuel Sportsbook gives Wisconsin a 90-1 chance of winning the national title. The odds of winning the championship are better for twenty teams.
After the Rutgers match, Davison stated that “toughness and gritty don’t show in analytics.” “I know that some coaches love analytics. Analytics is not something I look at when I am a player or coach.
The Badgers have been beating all odds this season.
The Big Ten does not have a preseason poll. The Columbus Dispatch and The Athletic did their own pollwith a panel consisting of two beat writers from each league’s 14 teams. Wisconsin was able to replace four of the league’s top five scorers last season and finished 10th.
Davis’ meteoric rise to stardom was perhaps the most important reason for Wisconsin’s growth. However, the Badgers’ ability win close games has also been crucial. They credit their success to luck rather than pluck.
Forward Tyler Wahl stated, “Luck’s one,” “I think we’re quite a good team. We win games.”
