2/22 Update: The Badgers ran into the Spartan defensive buzzsaw yesterday afternoon, suffering a hard fought yet ugly defeat.
2/22 Update: The Badgers ran into the Spartan defensive buzzsaw yesterday afternoon, suffering a hard fought yet ugly defeat.
Here are the game grades:
Andy Kowske: D
Kowske showed a little offensive spark at times, though it was more of a sign of the desperation of the Wisconsin offensive that he was forced into taking 8 shots. Played 26 minutes yet grabbed only 3 rebounds while the MSU front line players cleaned up.
Charlie Wills: D
Was very willing to bang with the Spartans, yet couldn't get a call and therefore was limited in his effectiveness. Like Kowske, he received solid minutes (23), yet snatched only 2 rebounds.
Sean Mason: C-
The Mason story is getting old. Mason was completely held in check for much of the game. He did try to get the Badgers back into the game midway through the second half, yet could never really get into that hot streak (4 for 12 for the game). Did help out with 7 rebounds and 2 assists, but Mason simply has to score more for this team. Defense was solid.
Ty Calderwood: D
The overall numbers are very deceiving in Calderwood's case, as he padded his overall numbers with 3 very late 3's when the game was already decided. Prior to that, Calderwood was completely non-existent offensively. With the team struggling to score points, a senior point guard who happens to be the second leading scorer simply cannot put a goose egg on the board for 38 minutes. He did do a reasonable job of taking care of the ball despite some heavy ball pressure by the Spartans. Defensively, he was matched up with Cleaves for much of the game and did an outstanding job of limiting the bullish penetration that Cleaves is known for.
Mike Kelley: C
Like the rest of the team, very little offense, though with Kelley it isn't that surprising. He did get 4 rebounds and played his usual superior defensive game.
Jon Bryant: D
Hit two early shots, one off a screen and one on a buzzer beating fall away, but could manage only 3 other shots in 26 minutes of play, missing all of them. Defensively he held his own against Peterson and company, but provided zilch in other facets of the game.
Mark Vershaw: D+
Vershaw attempted to generate some offense in the low post, but was simply outphysicaled underneath, preventing him from fully asserting himself. He did get 10 points which considering the contact he was facing, isn't too bad. However, he failed to grab even a single rebound and Grainer had his way a couple of times down low on defense. Contributed 2 assists.
Maurice Linton: F
4 minutes, 3 fouls, completely overpowered on the boards. 'Nuff said.
Hennssy Auriantal: F
Once again, provided a brief lift in the first half with a steal and a bucket. However, he played only 6 minutes and committed 3 fouls with 2 turnovers while missing his only jump shot.
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