It has not been easy for Wisconsin to lose six straight games. They have two losses in overtime and the past three games by a total of 11 points. This latest to Northwestern, 66-63.Northwestern lost by 29 to Wisconsin at the beginning of January, but since then the Badgers have forgotten to play defense. Oh, they are defending and their style makes the pace of the game slow, but that does not mean they are playing good defense. Just because the games are being played in the 60s does not make make for defensive struggles.
In the game against Northwestern, Wisconsin let the Wildcats shoot 57%. Wisconsin could not get stops in the game. Northwestern worked the ball around and found good shots as Wisconsin would lose their assignments. Something that just does not compute with a Bo Ryan coached team.
The Wildcats, on the other hand, have now won 4 of 5 in Big Ten play. Northwestern is playing a very efficient style right now. They may not be the most consistent defensive team, but they do a good job of controlling pace and frustrating teams into taking bad shots in an effort to speed up the game.
