Wisconsin’s in search of a third wheel.
The Badgers (15-5 overall, 5-3 in Big Ten), are coming off a 56-52 loss to Penn State in which they blew a 13-point first-half lead by shooting just 30 percent from the field in the second half.
Big guns Jon Leuer (18 points) and Jordan Taylor (16 points) did their part, but it wasn’t enough. The Badgers need someone – anyone – to attract defenses.
“I think a lot of guys tried to kind of defer to both Jon and Jordan, which we can’t be doing,” sophomore forward Mike Bruesewitz told the State Journal. “I think we got a little stagnant watching (Leuer and Taylor) and seeing what they were going to do instead of trying to play off them and play with them more.”
Keaton Nankivil (9.7 points per game) could be that guy, but he admits he’s merely the beneficiary of Leuer and Taylor taking the pressure off him. At some point, either he, freshman John Gasser or sophomore Mike Bruesewitz will need to fill that role. All three score efficiently, but don’t take nearly enough shots as yet.
And they better do it soon. Purdue’s in Madison tonight, followed by Michigan State on Sunday.
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