Big Ten Tournament 2012 Bracket and Schedule: Keys to a Wisconsin Upset over MSU

The Wisconsin Badgers survived against Indiana yesterday and set up a meeting with one-seeded Michigan State, who looked every bit like the best team in this conference as they steam-rolled through Iowa.

The Spartans knocked of Wisconsin both times during the regular season, but it's always hard to beat a team three times in one year.

Here's a look at Wisconsin will have to do to knock off the surging Spartans, who are still somewhat in the hunt for a one-seed in the NCAA Tournament. 

Control the Pace

The Spartans average 65.8 possessions per 40 minutes. The Badgers average 59.4. Any questions about what type of speed these teams like?

MSU likes to get out in transition and send everyone to the basket and just create general chaos around the hoop while Wisconsin is much more comfortable in the half-court game. The Badgers prefer launching a shot with precisely two seconds left on the shot clock.

The less possessions, the better for the Badgers, who are far less athletic than MSU. 

Hit Three-Pointers—and Lots of Them

The Badgers love to shoot the three, as evidenced by the fact that 35.6 percent of their points come from beyond the arc. That number is 24th-highest in the country.

Often times their offense can get stagnant, but generally it consists of Jordan Taylor driving and kicking, or lots of pick-and-pops with the big men. Whatever it is, Wisconsin moves the ball well and finds open threes.

Nonetheless, if they aren't hitting the long ball, they aren't winning. Live by the three, die by the three.

For what it's worth, MSU allows teams to shoot only 35.8 percent from deep, which is 11th-lowest in the country.

Box Out

The Spartans are just ferocious when it comes to rebounding. Led by Draymond Green, Branden Dawson and Adreian Payne, who is getting better by the day, the Spartans grab 55.4 percent of available rebounds.

That's eighth-best in the nation and second-best in the Big Ten.

The Badgers, on the other hand, are sixth in the conference. However, they are much better on the defensive end, and that will be much more important than grabbing offensive boards.

If they keep MSU off the offensive glass, Wisconsin has a good chance.