Wisconsin’s Ascent: Why the Badgers Are a March Madness Threat
The Wisconsin Badgers aren’t just winning; they’re making a statement. Their dominant 92-71 victory over No. 10 Michigan State on Friday night wasn’t just another checkmark in the win column; it was a declaration that they are a force to be reckoned with as March approaches. As FOX Sports announcer Jason Benetti noted after a particularly impressive play by John Blackwell, “If they play like this, you never understand how far they can go.”
A Resumé Riddled with High-Major Wins
Wisconsin’s record (17-7, 9-4 Big Ten) presents a curious case. They boast impressive wins over ranked opponents – No. 2 Michigan (91-88) and No. 8 Illinois (92-90, OT) – but also have losses to unranked teams like TCU, USC, and Indiana. This inconsistency makes evaluating their true potential challenging. However, their performance against elite competition is undeniable. They’re shooting 43% from beyond the arc in those high-stakes games, showcasing an offensive ceiling that few teams can match.
Tom Izzo’s Regret: The John Blackwell Story
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo openly expressed regret about not recruiting John Blackwell, a local talent from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Blackwell’s performance against the Spartans – 24 points, a key component in Wisconsin’s offensive explosion – underscored Izzo’s sentiment. Blackwell’s ability to elevate his game against top competition is a defining characteristic of his impact. He has now scored 24 or more points in all three of Wisconsin’s wins over AP Top 10 teams.
Michigan State’s First-Half Struggles: A Growing Concern
For Michigan State, the loss to Wisconsin highlighted a troubling trend: slow starts. This was the fifth consecutive game the Spartans trailed at halftime. Whereas they’ve managed to overcome this in some instances, relying on second-half comebacks is a precarious strategy, especially against elite teams. The inconsistent play of forward Jaxon Kohler, whose production has dipped since mid-January, is a contributing factor to these sluggish beginnings.
The Big Ten’s Rise: A Conference on the Cusp
Wisconsin’s win is emblematic of a larger trend: the Big Ten is arguably the strongest conference in college basketball this season. With six teams boasting records of 10-4 or better in conference play, the competition is fierce. Five of those teams are projected as No. 3 seeds or better in the NCAA Tournament, and the conference is expected to send 10 teams to the tournament. This depth suggests the Big Ten could finally break its national championship drought, which dates back to 2000.
Looking Ahead: What’s on the Horizon?
Wisconsin has a favorable schedule ahead, with five consecutive games against unranked opponents before a crucial showdown with No. 13 Purdue on March 7. This stretch provides an opportunity to build momentum and solidify their tournament positioning. Michigan State faces a more challenging path, with upcoming road games against Purdue, Indiana, and Michigan.
FAQ
Q: What is Wisconsin’s record against Top 10 teams this season?
A: Wisconsin is 3-0 against AP Top 10 teams this season.
Q: Who led Wisconsin in scoring against Michigan State?
A: Nick Boyd led Wisconsin with 29 points, while John Blackwell added 24.
Q: What is Tom Izzo’s record against Wisconsin as Michigan State’s head coach?
A: Greg Gard is 6-12 against the Spartans.
Q: Where can I find more information about Wisconsin’s game against Michigan State?
A: You can find more information on the Wisconsin Badgers official website and FOX Sports.
Did you know? Wisconsin has topped the 90-point mark a school-record 10 times this season.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on John Blackwell. His ability to perform under pressure makes him a key player for Wisconsin in March.
What are your thoughts on Wisconsin’s chances in the NCAA Tournament? Share your predictions in the comments below!
