Wisconsin Basketball: A Resurgent Force in the Big Ten
Wisconsin basketball is riding a wave of momentum, securing impressive victories over ranked opponents and positioning themselves as a serious contender in the Big Ten. Fresh off a 92-90 overtime win against No. 8 Illinois, the Badgers now face No. 10 Michigan State in a crucial Friday night matchup.
Back-to-Back Top-10 Triumphs
The Badgers’ recent success isn’t a fluke. Their overtime victory over Illinois marked their second top-10 win of the week, and their third against an AP top-10 team this season. This demonstrates a clear ability to compete with – and defeat – the conference’s elite. Nicholas Boyd led the charge against Michigan State with 29 points, while John Blackwell added 24.
Momentum vs. Consistency: The Spartans’ Challenge
Michigan State, while still a strong team ranked No. 10 in KenPom, has shown some vulnerability, losing two of their last three games. They previously defeated Illinois 88-86 on February 7. The Spartans currently trail Michigan by 2.5 games in the Big Ten standings, making a run for the regular-season title increasingly tough. Wisconsin will look to exploit any inconsistencies in the Spartans’ game.
Key Players to Watch
Beyond Boyd and Blackwell, Nolan Winters is proving to be a dominant force for Wisconsin, recording his 12th double-double of the season against Michigan State with 10 points and 11 rebounds. For Michigan State, keeping an eye on their key offensive players will be crucial for the Badgers’ defense.
Shooting Prowess: A Badger Advantage
Wisconsin’s offensive efficiency is particularly noteworthy. Against Michigan State, they knocked down 15 three-pointers at a 43% clip, significantly outperforming the Spartans’ 29.6% from beyond the arc. This shooting accuracy has been a hallmark of their recent success.
How to Catch the Game
The Wisconsin-Michigan State game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) on Friday, February 13, and will be broadcast on Fox. Fans can also listen to the game on the Badger Radio Network. Streaming options are available via Fubo.
Beyond the Scoreboard: The Bigger Picture
These games are about more than just wins and losses. They are about building a strong NCAA Tournament resume. Wisconsin’s victories over top-10 teams significantly bolster their chances of securing a favorable seed in March. A win against Michigan State would further solidify their position as a team to watch.
FAQ
Q: Where can I watch the Wisconsin vs. Michigan State game?
A: The game will be broadcast on Fox and streamed on Fubo.
Q: What is Wisconsin’s record against top-10 teams this season?
A: Wisconsin has three wins against AP top-10 teams this season.
Q: What is Michigan State’s current position in the Big Ten standings?
A: Michigan State is 2.5 games behind the first-place team in the Big Ten.
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