Throughout Wisconsin’s 59-53 loss to Maryland on Tuesday, one of the Badgers’ primary weaknesses was exposed, and in the process, illuminated the reason why Bo Ryan’s club might not be the title contender that many thought they were.
Mark Turgeon knew that he had the two most dynamic guards on the floor in Melo Trimble and Dez Wells. In an effort to maximize their advantage, Maryland put Wisconsin through pick after pick, just waiting to get one of the Badgers’ front court players to guard Trimble and Wells. The Terps spread the court, and took advantage with drive after drive.
The inability to properly contain the perimeter can be a killer come March, and it’s why Wisconsin might face some trouble during their quest to make another Final Four run, and ultimately contend for the national championship.
For all of Wisconsin’s size, length and skill, they’re still not as talented at the guard spots as teams like Notre Dame, Duke, Gonzaga or Villanova. All of those teams are ones that will need to be dealt with at one time or another come the NCAA Tournament. So, the question must be asked, is Wisconsin truly a title threat to Kentucky, or are they just another name on a list of many teams who lack a key piece of the championship puzzle?
With Traevon Jackson saying that he will likely return just before the Big Ten Tournament, the Badgers will have yet another perimeter defender and shot maker in the fold. The question for Jackson and Wisconsin, though, is whether or not he can regain his form in time to give UW the perimeter medicine that they need.
