1/11 Update: As you probably know by now, the Badger basketball team evened its Big Ten record at 2-2 with a hard fought victory over #7 Purdue yesterday. The game was a typical Big Ten brawl between two very physical and defensive minded clubs. Coming off the disappointing early 2 losses, the wins over the Spartans and Boilers were critical. Mission accomplished.
Here are the game grades.
Andy Kowske: C
Andy did an pretty good job of shutting down much of the post offense from McQuay, though McQuay was very effective on the offensive glass in the second half. Certainly a credible job for Kowske as he snatched 5 boards and contributed a couple of big blocks to go along with his banging inside. 4 turnovers is way too many however for someone who handles the ball as little as Kowske does.
Charlie Wills: B-
Wills also had a tough time in the second half containing Purdue's aggressive board crashing. However, when Kowske got into foul trouble, Wills was able to step in and provide some offense, including a huge jumper in the final minute. He hit all 4 of his shots (2 free throws) for the game.
Sean Mason: A
Mason again was exceptional about letting the offense come to him. When he does this, his effectiveness (as well as the team's)is multiplied. While he missed a couple of wide open threes, he hit the big shots when they mattered. He also got to the line 12 times which is what his game was missing against MSU. Besides the 25 points, Mason was also a dynamic force on the glass, especially late when the Badger big men were having their troubles. He grabbed 8 boards to lead the team for the game. Defensively, he and Calderwood did a super job of shutting down Mayfield and Eldridge, as well as containing Robinson.
Ty Calderwood: B+
Ty's biggest positive influence in the game in my opinion was the way he handled the pressure of Purdue. He also provided his normal 11 points and 4 boards. He also had 4 assists, but that was negated with 4 turnovers, a bit more than his normal total, but understandable when going up against Purdue. Defensively he was solid against subpar offensive point guards.
Mike Kelley: A
Other than Mason, Kelley was the key to the game. Not bad for another 4 point performance. Defensively, he put the clamps on Cornell and took him right out of his game with his ballhawking (forcing Cornell into 5 turnovers. Kelly hit his only field goal, as well as his only 2 free throws. He added 3 assists and had 5 critical steals, many of them simply a credit to his hustle. As someone said on the BadgerBoard, if he and Cardinal aren't the toughest SOB's in the Big Ten, I must be missing something.
Hennssy Auriantal: C
Henssey provided a few breathers for the starting guard threesome, and didn't prove to be much of a dropoff, especially defensively. Once again, his shot was not falling however. Is it me or has he not been as effective defensively with his minutes being cut this year? I haven't seen him on a breakaway in quite a while caused by his defensive pressure.
Jon Bryant: D
As is his custom, it was an off night for Bryant last night, garnering just 4 minutes of play when it was apparent that free shots against Purdue were simply not going to be there. He also had a turnover and if I remember correctly a blown defensive assignment in his limited play.
Mark Vershaw: B-
Vershaw continued his very effective post play early in the game, keeping the Badgers competitive until Mason got heated up. His play is slowly stepping up and he continues to be the only true threat from the post for the Badgers. However, Purdue began pushing him farther away from the basket as the game went on and his effectiveness diminished. He also had a rough night on the boards, failing to grab even one defensive rebound.
Maurice Linton: C+
I thought Linton was very active on defense, as he really worked hard on the interior. He also had a very nice pass into Kowske from the high post for a quick two points. His downside was that he was out of position on the weakside of the boards at least once, and he botched a potential three on two break with some sloppy ball handling. Still, I thought he gave the Badgers some decent minutes.
Duany Duany:INC
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