Wisconsin knows it’s already do or die time for them in this 2017-2018 season. With seven losses already on the year, Badgers will likely need to post a top four Big Ten result to even have a puncher’s chance at making the NCAA Tournament. It’s going to be an uphill climb for the entire 2018 season. Ethan Happ started the team off on the right foot yesterday. He went completely bonkers with 28 points as Indiana had zero answers for him inside. If Happ can carry this team on a regular basis, Wisconsin may have an outside shot.

Happ carries the load
In something we haven’t seen all year with Wisconsin, Happ looked like one of the better players in the Big Ten versus Indiana. He kept giving them buckets inside, and it was truly impressive to see Happ continue to attack Indiana until they basically gave up in the latter part of the second half. Happ finished with 28 points, nine rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. That’s a hell of a night for the junior.

Badgers show efficiency from three
We’ve seen Wisconsin shoot many attempts from beyond the arc. Whether it’s a ‘New year, new me’ philosophy or just how the game went, the Badgers only took 15 threes in this game. They made seven of them nearly toppling 50 percent for the game. While threes are better than twos, it almost seems like Wisconsin knows they’re not the assassins from deep and trying to get easier buckets.

Turnovers continue to be an issue
Wisconsin has a long history of being a team that doesn’t turn the ball over much. This year, it’s been different with the gutted roster and many players who are being asked to do more. Wisconsin had 15 last night which is not ideal for what was a tight game until Happ took over in the middle of the second. Each Badger starter had a turnover, and other than Nate Reuvers, they each had two or more.

Next up
Because the Big Ten is silly, Wisconsin has to play their first Friday night game in conference play. This will be a theme, so, I hope you enjoy Badgers fans. They head to the RAC and play an emerging Rutgers team. Steve Pinkell is doing a solid job with the Scarlet Knights. This one will not be easy.

Charlie.