Badger Bits: Dekker Bringing Offense Along Through Conference Play

At least for the time being, we can put to rest the worries concerning Wisconsin's offensive output. The team has been rolling as of late and Sam Dekker has been a huge part of its success.

Dekker put on another superb performance Tuesday night against the Cornhuskers, leading the team with 19 points on five of six shooting. The 19 points tied a career-high for Dekker, who also pitched in four assists and two rebounds.

It hasn't just been Dekker heating up lately though. The Badgers have won three straight Big Ten games now by an average of 27 points, something the program hasn't accomplished since the 1911-12 season.

We're just not accustomed to seeing the Badgers beat up on opponents this way, especially during conference play. Until the recent Ohio State game at the Kohl Center, the only other Big Ten game for Wisconsin decided by at least double digits (win or lose) was the Jan. 12 stomping of Illinois. The Badgers are notorious for playing to the level of their competition (and the Big Ten has just been THAT good this year), so the way in which Wisconsin is taking care of its competition has been impressive.

While this Wisconsin team is really beginning to hit its stride at the perfect time, Dekker has been the most impressive as of late.

In conference play, Dekker is shooting like a man possessed. He's shooting 52.1 percent from the field, 45.3 percent from long range and even doing his part to boost the team free throw percentage by shooting 84.2 percent from the line.

Dekker has been as consistent as they come. It's difficult not to love the quick release on his three-point shots and his fearlessness driving into the lane. It's exciting to think of this team's ceiling as Dekker and the others only continue to progress down the stretch.

Wednesday's Links:

Jim Polzin recaps the blowout victory over Nebraska.

Tom Oates writes how the Wisconsin offense is coming around at the right time.

With Indiana's loss at Minnesota Tuesday evening, Wisconsin is within just one game of the Big Ten lead.

Jared Berggren was named as one of 30 finalists for the Naismith award, given to the top college basketball player in the nation.

Personally, I was very pleased to see forward Ryan Evans try out the jump shot free throw technique. At least it worked!