Double Ouch

Bucky
The Badgers lose at Ohio State last night 77-67 for their first Big Ten loss and drop to 14-3 overall. The Badgers were down 2 key reserves in Marcus Landry and Greg Stiemsma. Stiemsma is hurt and likely will miss the Badgers next game against ND State. Landry may be a bigger issue as he had to sit per academic reasons and this may turn out to be a longer absence from the team. Ohio State had their way against an uncharacteristicly poor UW defense. The Big Ten is tough this year, and if you slip defensively in a game, the opponent is going to make you pay for it.

The Badgers were ranked #15 & #13 in the polls, but that is simply too high. Their early schedule has been mostly home games where they are 10-0, but other than the Paradise Jam Tourney(where the competition really wasn't that good), they seemingly cannot win on the road. They are 1-3 and granted all those games (except MN) were against ranked teams, but teams ranked that high should do better. I really think it would do Bo some good if he scheduled some more road games early on in the season.

Bucks
They lose a heartbreaker to the Spurs 95-92, ending their streak of 13 straight when the game is decided by 6 pts or less. Their defense was stellar in the game with limiting the Spurs to 45.7% from the field and shooting 50% themselves. However, SA is loaded with talent and the Bucks did a nice job on Duncan, Ginobili and Parker, but they had no answer for Michael Finley down the streatch. He dropped 21 pts including 2 huge 3 pointers in the final minutes and sealed the game from the FT line. Overall, a very solid performance by the Bucks and even though it is disappointing, it's an effort that can be built on.