Wisconsin will hand OSU its first loss

By Conor O’Brien

Ohio State has been dominant all year (see “Buckeyes continue to impose their will”) but the combination of the Badger’s swarming defense and systematically concise offense, and the raucous crowd that so often inhabits the Kohl Center will prove to be too difficult to overcome tomorrow afternoon.

There is no doubt in my mind the Buckeyes can and will win the national championship, but it is far too difficult to go through an entire season without one blemish on their record. Wisconsin beat the final undefeated team and eventual national champion, Duke Blue Devils, last year in Madison. They have a 13-0 home record this season and are poised to duplicate that performance against the Buckeyes. The Badgers are 148-11 at home since Bo Ryan began his tenure, which leads me to my next point.

Ryan is one of the best coaches in not only the conference, but the country. If you’re a young high school player looking to learn the fundamental aspects of the game, watch Wisconsin’s sharp cuts to the basket and the way in which their motion offense is run with precision and fluidity. They set hard screens and display one of the more efficient half court sets in the country.

And it’s all because of Ryan. He is a skilled tactician who eats, sleeps and breathes basketball. His players are an extension of his overwhelmingly disciplined philosophy. He’ll use his guile to develop a game plan to shut down Sullinger. Wisconsin may have to double when Sullinger is posting with his back to the basket, but the key will be their ability to close out on the other Buckeye stars, Jon Deibler, William Buford and David Lighty. If they can do that, the onus will be on freshman point guard Aaron Craft. His ability to knock down big shots will be tested once more. Penn State was mildly successful using this same strategy, but Craft repeatedly burned them from the three point line.

But make no mistake, Wisconsin is not Penn State. The Badgers have one of the best one-two punches in the conference with 6’10” senior superstar Jon Leur and junior point guard Jordan Taylor. Leur is among the best post-up players in the nation. He is fundamentally sound and difficult to defend down low. Taylor has incrementally improved each year. He was taken under the wing of graduated point guard Trevon Hughes his freshman year, and has recently blossomed into one of the more dynamic point guards in the conference. He possesses lightning quick speed and a knack for finding the open man. Also, look for forward Keaton Nankivil to have a big game tomorrow. He is a versatile player with a pure jump shot.

Wisconsin is notorious for playing suffocating defense at home. They have held their opponents under 70 points in 37 straight home games, but I believe shots will be made tomorrow. Both teams will entertain the nation in the most anticipated game of the weekend. Ohio State will play well, but the Badgers will eek out a victory with a 72-70 final.