3/6 Update: The Badgers opened play in the Big Ten tournament with an offensive explosion, leading to a 74-60 win over Iowa. Coach Bennett altered his starting lineup by going big with Maurice Linton over Mike Kelley. While it contributed to some sloppy ball handling against the Iowa pressure, it did serve to give the Hawkeyes a different look. To be honest, I wasn't crazy about the move considering their opponent, but you certainly can't quibble with the results.
Here are the game grades:
Andy Kowske: B
Kowske got into some foul trouble early and was limited in the first half. However, in the second half he was huge as he was a force on the boards and supplied some well needed muscle when the ball entered the low post. Kowske also did a pretty good job of containing Settles after Jess had a strong first half. With Settles hitting the jumpers, Kowske was forced to extend to the arc, yet still excelled despite being out of his element. For the game, he scored 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, not to mention his two outstanding blocked shots.
Charlie Wills: A-
Wills did a great job of finishing on the break, and yet was smart enough to not force the action. Wills poured in 13 points on 5 for 6 shooting. He was also key on the defensive glass with 7 rebounds, 6 on the defensive end. To put some icing on the cake, Charlie dished for 2 assists.
Sean Mason: A
Sean finally broke out of his slump, exploding for 17 second half points (22 for the game) while shooting over 50% from the field for the first time in Big Ten play. For the first time in what seems like months, Mason seemed to be in rhythm and was sensing when and where to shoot the ball, espcecially in the second half stretch that put the game away. Mase also did a pretty good job of taking care of the ball against the pressure (only 2 turnovers), an area that was a concern, especially considering that he and Calderwood were the only guards on the floor early in the contest. Added 3 assists and 3 rebounds for good measure.
Ty Calderwood: B
Was much much too sloppy with the ball at times (6 turnovers) with the errors about equally balanced between the press and in the half court offense. However, Ty, like Mason, was big in the second half as he made the Hawks pay for leaving him wide open, nailing 3 of 4 from long range and finishing with 14 points. Defensively, he had some trouble with Oliver's penetration early (though Oliver travels on almost every drive) but did better as the game wore on (although Kelley drew the assignment for much of the second half). Showed solid leadership that has been missing from the team the last few weeks. Amazing what a few made jumpers will do huh?
Mike Kelley: B-
Didn't draw the starting assignment as Bennett went big, but was called on early to contain Oliver. Kelley did get into some foul trouble when some borderline contact on Oliver were whistled as fouls. Offensively, Kelley was much sloppier than normal with 3 turnovers (2 of which were badly forced dribbles through multiple defenders). On the plus side, he hit 2 of his 3 shots and had 3 assists.
Jon Bryant: B
Couldn't really find his shots early as Iowa obviously was not going to let him go off as he did in Iowa City. However, as Wisconsin's other weapons began firing, the Iowa defenders began to stray and Bryant made them pay with a 3 for 5 game for 8 points. Added 2 assists without a turnover.
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