Big Ten Tournament: 5 Keys To a Penn State Upset Over Wisconsin
After a close 61-55 victory over Indiana in the first round of the Big Ten tournament, Penn State now focuses in on Wisconsin.
The teams have faced twice this season, and each has come away with a victory on separate occasions.
A bid to the NCAA tournament is on the line for Penn State.
If they win, it helps the team's chances. If they lose, they are likely eliminated from contention.
Here are five keys to an upset victory for Penn State.
5. Rebounding
The rebounding differential played a huge part in the two games in which the Nittany Lions faced the Badgers.
In the Penn State win, the Nittany Lions dominated the statistic, 29-23.
In the Wisconsin win, the Badgers controlled the glass out-rebounding the Nittany Lions, 24-19.
If Penn State can win the rebound battle like they did in the January game in State College, it will be much easier for them to stick around and maybe pull off an upset.
4. Control Turnovers
Turnovers have plagued Penn State all season.
In both games against Wisconsin the team had doubit-digit turnovers.
During the first game of the Big Ten tournament against Indiana, Penn State also had double-digit turnovers.
It's tough to win if you keep shooting yourself in the foot with mistakes.
Penn State needs to play smart and maintain control of the ball.
3. Talor Battle
If the Nittany Lions lose, Talor Battle will have never led his team to the NCAA tournament.
This is possibly the best player in the history of Penn State basketball that we are talking about.
Battle has 2,132 points, 605 rebounds and 507 assists in his career.
He is one of three players in NCAA Division I history to gain 2,000 points, 600 rebounds and 500 assists in their careers.
Battle had an off day against Indiana.
I wouldn't expect that two games in a row.
2. Just Play Defense
I know this sounds basic and widespread, but Penn State just needs to play defense.
This isn't a very high scoring team.
The Nittany Lions are undefeated when they hold opponents to 60 points or less.
They are 1-8 when they allow opponents to score 70 points or more.
It sounds basic and simplistic, but when Penn State can keep the game a defensive battle, they have a better chance.
Allowing Keaton Nankivil to shoot 5-of-5 beyond the three-point line won't help the cause.
1. Everything to Lose
This is a team with everything to lose.
A win would keep Penn State in the hunt for a NCAA tournament berth. A loss almost guarantees that they will be eliminated from contention.
Nerves will be high, but the players can't let it effect their game.
Usually it's the team with nothing to lose that pulls off the upset.
That won't be the case if Penn State can pull it off later tonight.