Kansas State - Wisconsin Preview

Midwest- Round Two
Kansas State Wildcats (11) Vs. Wisconsin Badgers (3)
Saturday, March 22 @ 4:20 pm
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Kansas State focused on winning as a team rather than worrying about match-ups and it worked as the 11th seed Wildcats beat the 6th seed USC Trojans 80- 67 in round one. Although the Trojans were better from downtown and from the foul line, Kansas State made 29 of 50 (48%) from the floor. USC hit 21 of 50 (42%).

Two of the guys upfront had impressive games for the Wildcats. Forward Michael Beasley earned a double-double-- 23 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Billy Walker hit for 22 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Off the bench, Ron Anderson put in 10 points and handled 8 bounds. All five starters moved the ball around well with each getting at least one assist. However the team shot only 58% from the foul line. That’s a red flag.

In their game, Wisconsin eventually beat Cal State Fullerton 71- 56, but it took some doing. The Badgers were ahead by only two at the break. But by 13:25 of the second period, Wisconsin began to break away and after that they never looked back moving on in the tournament brackets.

Wisconsin was abysmal from the three-point arc, putting in only 18% (3 for 18). But the team’s foul shooting (72%) was superior, and they shot a solid 42% from the field. Marcus Landry was massive under the hoop, snaring a game-leading 12 rebounds.

But the Badgers gave up too many fouls, sending their opponents to the line 25 times. Even if the Wildcats do shoot 58% on fouls, that’s too many times free shots. Swingman Joe Krabbenhoft put in 13 points and handled 9 rebounds, while forward/center Brian Butch, who also took down 9 bounds, scored 14 points. Wisconsin blocked 7 shots.

Wisconsin has the talent to win. But Kansas State, which has been full of surprises this year, has the team to win. Look for a battle here with free throws playing a big part in the winner advancing to the sweet sixteen.