For two teams that haven’t met since 2003, there could be plenty of familiarity when Detroit Mercy faces Wisconsin in Madison, Wis., on Sunday afternoon.
Over the offseason, Detroit Mercy (5-8) hired longtime Michigan State assistant coach Mark Montgomery as its new head coach, so he brings plenty of knowledge about the Badgers. having scouted them so regularly while coaching in the Big Ten.
Wisconsin coach Greg Gard sees a resemblance to Michigan State in the Titans due to Montgomery’s presence.
“I see some tendencies offensively,” Gard said. “I know they have had to deal with some roster shuffling lately. There are some things offensively in terms of some patterns that I recognize. But they are doing things with some three-quarters-court pressure and a little bit of zone Michigan State doesn’t do. There are some, but it’s not a complete replica of Michigan State.”
Wisconsin (9-3) comes in feeling a bit better about itself after snapping a three-game losing streak on Dec. 14 with an 83-74 win over Butler in Indianapolis.
The Badgers have four players averaging in double figures in scoring: John Tonje (20.0 points per game), John Blackwell (14.3), Max Klesmit (12.2) and Nolan Winter (10.6).
The Titans come in following a 73-60 loss at Northern Kentucky on Wednesday, their third straight defeat.
Detroit Mercy is led in scoring by Orlando Lovejoy (13.7 ppg) and Mak Manciel (13.4), but due to injuries, Montgomery has entrusted six freshmen to learn on the fly.
Grant Gondrezick II had 12 points and Nate Johnson added 11 points against Northern Kentucky. They highlight the freshman contributors.
“They are definitely growing up,” Montgomery said. “They are giving me everything they can. They are playing hard and they are competing. We just need a little bit more.”
Detroit Mercy is looking to snap an 18-game losing streak against Big Ten opponents. The Titans last defeated a Big Ten team in 1997 when they knocked off Michigan State 68-65.
–Field Level Media
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