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Panthers look to shock the Badgers
- Updated: December 10, 2014
#5 Wisconsin Badgers (8-1) vs. Milwaukee Panthers (4-5)
Location: UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Time: 8:00 p.m. CST
Broadcast: TV – ESPN2; Radio – WISN-AM1130
It has been a crazy college basketball season so far. Fans have witnessed unbelievable upsets across the country, especially just over the last week. Michigan fell to NJIT and Eastern Michigan, Connecticut lost to Yale on a buzzer beater and Green Bay surprised Miami (FL).
The Milwaukee Panthers will now attempt to join this list of mid-majors who have knocked off a high-major program when they welcome No. 5 Wisconsin to the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena on Wednesday evening.
Milwaukee hasn’t beaten a ranked opponent since 2009, and has failed to beat the Badgers since the 1992-93 season.
It will be extremely difficult for the Panthers to snap these streaks against the Badgers, as head coach Bo Ryan returns almost everyone from last season’s Final Four squad.
The only blemish on the Badgers’ record so far occurred a week ago when they fell to Duke, 80-70, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
Milwaukee will have their hands full defending the tall, athletic Wisconsin squad. Through their first nine games of the season they have four players averaging double-figures in scoring, while averaging a total of 71.2 points per contest.
Wisconsin’s defense has also dominated opponents, allowing only 52.4 points per game.
Frank Kaminsky leads the way for the Badgers, averaging 16.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game, while shooting 54.5 percent from the field including 43.8 percent from three-point range.
The seven-footer was named the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year and is a projected first round pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
The Panthers will have to find away to contain Kaminsky, as he is a dangerous player, who has shown he can do it all, possessing the ability to be a force underneath the basket, while also being a solid three-point shooter.
One way to do this will be to get Kaminsky into foul trouble, by getting the ball in the post offensively or driving to the hoop.
Milwaukee will also struggle on the defensive side of the ball with numerous matchup problems. The Panthers play a three-guard system, compared to the Badgers who have three players who stand 6-foot-8 or taller.
Milwaukee won’t be able to stop the Badgers, but if they are able to take smart shots offensively, limit the Badgers’ second chance opportunities, and remain out of foul trouble, their is a chance that they will hang around in this game.
For an in-depth look at the Wisconsin Badgers starting lineup and key reserves visit this link.
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About Dan Zielinski III
Dan Zielinski
December 10, 2014 at 4:44 pm
This game stirs up lots of memories. I remember Ric Majerus bringing his #2 ranked Utah Utes in to the arena to face the Panthers in Ric Cobb’s painful and final last season. I also have memories of the old Arena just shaking with noise…..emotions stirred into a frenzy by the likes of guys named Alcindor, Marques, Super Sid, Al and Hank. I”m sure I’ll be taking in all of the atmosphere tonight…thinking back to many of those days. I hope this old glorious venue, what I think is the best arena for basketball in the state, shakes again tonight with all the spirit, enthusiasm, and color that is college basketball. Could this be the last time to enjoy this experience. I hope not.