Here are the game grades from the "Disaster".
Andy Kowske: C-
Limited to 18 minutes due to some ticky tack fouls, Kowske did a reasonable job on the defensive end of keeping Moore of the offensive glass, but by the same token could grab only 3 total himself. Defensively, he did by far the best work on Moore while he was in the game. Offensively, he just couldn't seem to get anything going in any fashion.
Charlie Wills: C
He struggled with Moore at times positionally, whether it be on the post ups or on Moore releasing to the basket. He did shoot 3 for 6 from the field which qualifies as news compared to the rest of the team. He also did a respectable job on the glass with 5 rebounds. Threw in an assist and a steal for good measure.
Sean Mason: D
A very disappointing end to his season, shooting 4 of 12 from the field. After failing to get hot early, he really struggled within the framework of the offense, often catching the ball and taking a few rhythm dribbles, desperate to find a shot but seemingly clueless as to how. Even when he did create some space for himself later in the game, he couldn't knock down the short jumpers consistently. Also once again failed to get to the line for the most part (2 attempts), a staple of his game early in the year. Turned the ball over twice with only 1 assist.
Ty Calderwood: F
The most disappointing of all. Calderwood came out firing and was 0 of 7 seemingly before the first TV break. many of these shots were rushed and occurred early within the offense. I think Ty typified his attitude when in he said, "Forget the gameplan." in the post game press conference. Is this leadership? For the game, Ty was 0 of 8. Only turned the ball over once, but made little effort to create offnsively, finishing with only 1 assist. Did a pretty good job on Fontleroy.
Mike Kelley: D
Even Kelley had a relatively tough time of it defensively which is really saying something. While he was not on Ault the entire game, Ault was able to do some things, namely get free for a few jumpers as well as get some penetration, finishing with a solid 10 points and 2 assists. Kelley finished 0 for 3 from the field, without an assist (to 1 turnover) or a steal and only 2 rebounds.
Hennssy Auriantal: INC
Only appeared briefly and penetrated nicely but couldn't finish the play as the shot was blocked.
Jon Bryant: D
Once again drew a pretty good defender and was throttled, finishing just 1 for 5 from the field. Did grab 2 rebounds which isn't too bad for him.
Mark Vershaw: C-
Was manhandled inside by Moore on the defensive end in the brief time he was matched up with him. Offensively, Vershaw was seemingly the only player with some spark. He only managed 5 shots (hitting 2), but added an amazing 4 assists (considering there were only 10 non-Vershaw baskets in the game overall). Only 1 rebound however.
Travon Davis: B
Added a realy spark in garbage time showing impressive penetrating skills. He failed to finish on two of them, but did get a nice assist as well as drawing a foul inside (and hitting both throws). Despite his quickness and SMS's lack of going to the hole, he wasn't really able to put too much pressure on the ball (which is probably why he hasn't played much all year).
Duany Duany: INC
Maurice Linton: D
Really struggled with all aspects of his game down the strech run. Did a few nice things (hitting his only shot, got a steal, tc.) but was horrible with the ball as he threw one away for a Bear dunk and nearly doing it again immediately after, upon which he was yanked.
3/7 Update: Wisconsin is seeded 5th in the East bracket in the upcoming NCAA tourney with a first round game against the SW Missouri State Bears.
Quick analysis: The third place team from the Missouri Vally Conference. The only common opponent with Wisconsin was Illinois State. Wisconsin beat ISU in Normal. SMSU lost to them in Normal, but beat them by 3 at home. They are ranked 36th in the RPI and 41st according to Sagarin.
Other good wins included at Missouri and at Saint Louis.
They closed with a 5-5 record in their final 10.
They are a balanced team with 4 players scoring in double figures.
The leading scorer is Danny Moore (SR, 6-10, 245) at 16+ per game. Moore is a presence inside as he also leads their team in rebounding (about 5 per game) and blocked shots (77). However, at 6-10, 5 rebounds a game isn't terribly effective and he can be limited athletically. He is a bit of a black hole as well with only 15 assists to 62 turnovers. He is THE man to contain.
William Fontleroy (JR, 6-3, 190) is the point guard and an effective one at that, able to score (11 PPG, 42% from "3") and distribute (better than 4 APG) while doing a decent job of ball control (under 100 urnovers). He is a very quick and athletic guard.
Kevin Ault (JR, 6-3, 196) is a bit of a jack of all trades, averaging 12 PPG, 4 boards, 3 assists, and 3 steals per game. He is also a very solid 3 point shooter. (although his percentage dropped this season). He is also an excellent foul shooter.
Ken Stringer (SR, 6-4, 205) is a physical banger and defender. He isn't a strong offensive player but will often draw the top offensive frontcourt player on defense.
Allen Phillips (JR, 6-5, 196) is the spark off the bench and the final double figure scorer. He is an effective shooter from the perimeter (34% from "3") yet also is a solid rebounder (better than 4 RPG).
Other than Moore, the team tends to be in the 6-3 to 6-5 range so expect the Badgers to return to their 3 guard lineup.
They go up to 10 deep in their rotation, but have 6 primary players getting major minutes (more than 10+ per game). They average 74 PPG, third in their conference, while allowing 67 PPG, 4th in their conference. Their 3 point shooting is average at 36%, but they are decent at the line at 71%. Their turnover margin is outstanding at +2.5/game (first in the MVC). They are an average rebounding team, with only an even differential.
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