Game Preview: Size could be issue for Ducks in NIT quarterfinal vs. Wisconsin

The Oregon Ducks have managed to make their way through the first two rounds of the National Invitation Tournament without the services of their big-man N’Faly Dante, the team’s leading scorer, leading rebounder, and leading shot-blocker.

Going into the quarterfinals against the Wisconsin Badgers on Tuesday night, his potential absence might have a bigger impact, though. The Badgers are big, and led by their best player Steve Crowl, a 7-foot big-man who has the ability to dominate inside.

Of course, it has not yet been officially determined whether or not Dante will miss this game or not. While he was sidelines vs. UC Irvine and UCF, head coach Dana Altman didn’t officially shut the door on him being ready to play vs. Wisconsin. There’s also the possibility that guard Jermaine Couisnard returns as well.

“I was hoping maybe Wednesday, give them another day.” Altman said on Sunday after the win over UCF. “If they can play, they will. If they can’t, they can’t.”

We will be watching as Oregon comes out to warm up before the game whether or not Dante or Couisnard will be suited up, but regardless, the Ducks are going to have their hands full. Here are a few things that you need to know about Wisconsin.

Steven Crowl can take over a game

If the Ducks don’t have N’Faly Dante patrolling the paint in this game, it could end up being an issue as Oregon tries to slow down 7-footer Steve Crowl.

Crowl leads the Badgers in scoring with 12.3 points per game, and he’s shown an ability to completely take over when the situation calls for it. In the first round of the NIT, Crowl had 36 points against Bradley in the win. He also has games of 25, 21, and 20 points this year, respectively.

Badgers have multiple ways to beat you