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Ohio State Basketball: Badgers present big challenge for Buckeyes

By Charlie Lockhart

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 09: Ethan Happ #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers takes a shot around Jon Teske #15 of the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Crisler Arena on February 09, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 61-52. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 09: Ethan Happ #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers takes a shot around Jon Teske #15 of the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Crisler Arena on February 09, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 61-52. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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It would be a challenge for the Ohio State Buckeyes to defeat the Wisconsin Badgers with Kaleb Wesson but the big center will sit out once again.

Ohio State was going to have its hands full trying to contain Wisconsin’s Ethan Happ if Kaleb Wesson was available to play. It has been reported the Buckeyes’ center would miss his third game due to suspension so now it will be a huge challenge to slow down the Badgers’ 6′ 10″ forward.

Happ is having a terrific all-around season. In addition to scoring 17.9 points and pulling down 10.2 rebounds, he also leads the team in assists, steals and blocks.

Other players scoring in double figures are guards D’Mitrik Trice (12.1) and Brad Davidson (10.8).

Wisconsin is 13-6 in the Big Ten with an overall record of 21-9 primarily due to playing strong defense. The Badgers are only allowing 61.6 points per game which is 11th best in the country.

That will pose yet another problem for the Buckeyes who have had trouble scoring of late, only putting up 101 points the last two games with Wesson sidelined.

So how will Ohio State be able to stay with Wisconsin and possibly pull off the upset? Run.

The Badgers don’t exactly like to play up-tempo and are only averaging 69.5 points per game. They like to get into half court sets on offense and try to make opponents play that style of ball as well.

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If the Buckeyes use pressure defense and push the ball up the court when they have the opportunity, it will pick up the pace and take the Badgers out of their comfort zone. But they must hit their shots when they get open looks too.

Ohio State’s shooting, especially from behind the arc, has been abysmal lately. Another poor shooting performance against Wisconsin will almost certainly result in a loss.

After losing to the Northwestern Wildcats this is a must win for the Buckeyes.

A loss and they would probably have to win three games in the Big Ten tournament to have any chance of going dancing. If Ohio State can pull off the upset over Wisconsin possibly only one or two wins would be needed to make the NCAA tournament.

Next. Week 17 Big Ten power rankings. dark

Hopefully the seniors playing their final game in Value City Arena will be just what the Buckeyes need to pull off the victory.

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