Wisconsin - Cal State Fullerton Preview

Midwest- Round One
Wisconsin Badgers (3) Vs. Cal State Fullerton Titans (14)
Thursday, March 20 @ 9:40 pm
Betting Line From Bookmaker: Wisconsin -11.5

The Wisconsin Badgers (16- 2 Big Ten, 29- 4 overall) were definitely the best team in their conference, winning both the regular season title and the conference tournament. The club plays solid defense and takes time to set up its offense. The Badgers had the nation’s most productive scoring defense, which averaged 54.3 PPG.

Guard Michael Flowers (9.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.6 APG) and swingman Joe Krabbenhoft (7.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.7 APG) were both selected for the Big Ten’s All-Defensive Team this year. Along with posting 1.7 SPG, Flowers hits 41% of his threes. Forward/center Brian Butch (12.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG) led the club in points and rebounds, while Krabbenhoft provided fine support around the boards. Forward Marcus Landry (11.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG) shoots a team-best 48% from the floor.

The Titans of Cal State Fullerton (12- 4 Big West, 24- 8 overall) have not been to the NCAA Tournament since 1978. Things have changed since then. Now there’s a three-point stripe. The inside game is dominated by forward Scott Cutley (14.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.9 APG). Cutley hit 52% of his shots and also led the team in rebounds. Guard Frank Robinson (16.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.5 APG) can score and play the boards. Junior guard Josh Akognon (19.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.5 APG) is a lights out shooter, hitting 45% from the floor, 90% from the charity stripe and 39% from downtown. On defense, the Titans average 9.0 SPG.

The Badgers are susceptible to up tempo teams and clubs that can hit from the perimeter. Cal State can hit from the perimeter. Their three-pointers connect 39% of the time and their shots from the field connect at a rate of 48%. However, Wisconsin, when all is said and done, should be the victors in this one.

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