By Josh Schur
MADISON, Wis- Aside from the bus rides and hotel rooms, the Badgers have
not seemed to care about playing away from the Kohl Center this season.
This weekend, Wisconsin men’s basketball looks to continue
to feel at home even as they travel to Williams Arena to square off against
Minnesota (5-6 Big 10, 17-7 Overall).
Since UW (7-4 Big 10,18-6 Overall) lost to Michigan on
January 8th, it has yet to lose a game on the road in the Big-10 and had won 6
conference games in a row before falling to Ohio St. on Saturday.
“On the road so far we have had a good mentality and been
really focused”, sophomore guard Josh Gasser said, “Its tough to go on the road
and win games, but we have playing hard and aggressive. We just need to find a
way to win. “
Wisconsin’s shooting has been a bit shaky this year, but
they have actually been better on the road shooting over 38% from beyond the
arc away from Madison compared to just 33% at home.
Still, the Badgers know that while their shooting will come
and go, it is their defense that will play a crucial role in the outcome.
“Knocking down shots is obviously a priority, but its
sometimes not going to happen”, Gasser added, “When shots aren’t falling,
you’ve got to find other ways to win, and that comes from the defensive end. We
have to try to limit their second chance opportunities and that will give us a
chance to win.”
To go along with the confidence that this team has gained
from winning on the road, junior forward Mike Bruesewitz is also looking
forward to returning to his home state.
“Its always good to go home, you get to see family and
friends and play in front of the hometown crowd a little bit,” Bruesewitz said.
“It’s some of the same people who watched you in high school, it’s definitely a
good environment to play in.”
While the homecoming may be sweet for the St. Paul native, Bruesewitz
and the other Minnesota natives still understand the gravity of another crucial
Big-10 road game.
“I know some of those guys, and I have great respect for
them, but when Thursday comes, they’re not my friends anymore,” Bruesewitz said,
“We just have to take care of business.”
The Golden Gophers certainly have no intentions of providing
Bruesewitz and his teammates with an easy victory at the Barn, as they look to
win their 3rd game in their last 4.
Following an overtime victory against Illinois in their last
home game, the leading shot-blockers in the Big-10 will continue to try and be
tough in the lane, using their depth to their advantage as well.
“They’re a really good team. They play 9-10 guys, and have
athletic perimeter guys who can attack which can be hard to stop,” Gasser said.
“If we don’t bring it we could end up on the wrong side of the scoreboard.”
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