By Bill Self Special to ESPN.com Editor's note: Throughout the Final Four, Tulsa coach Bill Self will be acting as a special guest analyst for ESPN.com. Wisconsin and Michigan State mirror each other with their toughness and attention to defense. You'll probably see a game in which the stuff they run on offense won't look like they're executing because each team knows each other so well. The Badgers' defense is predicated on controlling tempo and forcing you out of your game. You must be patient, even though that seems like it would be playing into Wisconsin's hands. The Badgers' defense will be best over the first 25 seconds of a possession. The key in the halfcourt set is ball reversal. Unless you whip it around, you'll be playing three on five because the help defense is so good. After reversing the ball, you should look to beat them off the bounce as they rush to close out. But not even that will help if you don't make your shots. You can't afford to bail them out by taking a marginal shot early in the possession. They just won't break down early in defense. What makes the Badgers tough is they have some big men who can stretch defenses and their offense is so patient. It's much easier to slow an opponent down than speed one up -- we tried to run on North Carolina (in a 59-55 loss in the South Region final), but the Heels controlled tempo on us and we couldn't speed it up. Wisconsin is much the same. Michigan State shouldn't look to speed things up, because all the pressure is on the Spartans and hectic play will lead to mistakes. Wisconsin is coming in loose and relaxed, with nothing to lose. If the Badgers get a lead, it will take a lot of energy on the Spartans' part to make up. A 10-point deficit against Wisconsin is more like 20. Sometimes when you play catch-up as a favorite, the basket seems to shrink. Wisconsin does such a good job getting a lead, even the good looks you get are often rushed or taken outside your offensive comfort zone. A deficit could lead to Michigan State playing impatiently on defense -- they'll reach in and play defense with their hands and not their feet. Fouling the Badgers gives them free points. You must play all 35 seconds of defense tough and focused. |
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