Field Level Media
02 Feb 2023, 09:05 GMT+10
Fortunately for Wisconsin and Ohio State, there are no ties in basketball because of one of the struggling teams is guaranteed a much-needed victory Thursday in Columbus, Ohio.
The Badgers (12-8, 4-6 Big Ten) have dropped three straight and six of seven. The Buckeyes (11-10, 3-7) have lost two in a row and seven of eight.
They've each reached the halfway point of the conference schedule.
"Obviously, we're in a little dip right now but we're constantly working, constantly having conversations about how we can get better," Ohio State guard Brice Sensabaugh said. "We're in a tough spot, but day by day we're trending in the right direction, especially in practice."
Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said his team's turnaround must begin at the defensive end of the floor. It has to, with an offense that ranks 13th of 14 Big Ten teams in points per game (65.1).
"The No. 1 thing is we've got to get back to being who we are," he said. "Getting the defensive mindset back to where we have been is the first step."
As for the offense, Gard said the biggest disappointment has been at the free-throw line where the Badgers are 11th in the conference in free throw percentage (66.3), 13th in makes (181) and 13th in attempts (273).
Forward Tyler Wahl is an example of the Badgers' free throw shooting struggles. He shot 70.9 percent (39 of 55) from the line in Big Ten play last season compared to just 45.8 percent (11 of 24) so far this season.
"I've definitely hit a little lull," he said. "But I feel like I'm getting back to where I need to be. I've got to get to the line. Volume will fix my problems. I've got to get to the line more often. ... The whole thing about free throws is mental."
The Buckeyes also continue the search for answers.
"Obviously, we're disappointed with the first round of Big Ten games," Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann said. "There have been some moments where we've had an opportunity to capitalize, and we just haven't been able to do that."
-- Field Level Media
Get a daily dose of Cleveland Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Cleveland Star.
More InformationNEW YORK, New York - Wall Street jumped on Friday, although gains were modest after bank shares in Europe came ...
LOS ANGELES, California: Some 30,000 education workers in Los Angeles, backed by teachers, went on a three-day strike, canceling school ...
LONDON, England: Despite rising air fares, a potential global economic recession and risks of gridlock at some airports in Europe ...
WASHINGTON D.C.: The US Commerce Department has proposed new laws aimed at preventing China and other countries deemed of concern ...
NEW YORK, New York - As concerns over the banking sector eased, U.S. stocks moved moderately higher on Thursday, but ...
MEXICO CITY, Mexico: Amid Tesla's plan to open a $5 billion Gigafactory in the country, Mexico will soon become an ...
WASHINGTON D.C.: The Alzheimer's Association is lobbying Congress to enable early Medicare coverage of a new class of drugs, beginning ...
Atlanta United looks to extend their season-opening unbeaten streak to five games but will do so without several of their ...
The Calgary Flames potentially are staring at their last strike. Heading into Friday's home game against the cellar-dwelling San Jose ...
The Los Angeles Kings are amid their longest points streak of the season -- a stretch that began last month ...
The Cleveland Browns are signing wide receiver Marquise Goodwin to a one-year contract, multiple media outlets reported on Friday. Financial ...
Opening Day will feature eight former Cy Young Award winners, including three-time winner Max Scherzer of the New York Mets ...