Badger Basketball schedule is out!
The Big Ten released it’s schedule for the upcoming 2021-2022 Men’s Basketball season. Wisconsin Basketball put out a tweet showing the schedule, which features a two game stint in December. For the full schedule non-conference and conference play check it out here.
Avoiding the Big Dogs
It was evident last year that the Badger basketball team struggled against the upper echelon of the Big Ten. Against the teams that finished top four last year, the Badgers went a combined 0-8. Luckily, this year the Badgers will only see Illinois once, Michigan once, and Iowa once. Two of those three games being home games, bodes well for the Badgers. However, the Badgers will have to face Ohio State an Purdue twice, who both will be bringing back experienced well rounded teams. No game in the Big Ten is an easy one, but avoiding some of those star studded teams is good for the young Badgers.
Tough Start
The Big Ten did the inexperienced Badgers no favors to start conference play. Talk about being thrown into the fire; the Badgers open with Indiana, Ohio State, Purdue, Iowa, Maryland, and Ohio State again. All five of those teams have high expectations for this season. Expect to see them all in the top eight of the Big Ten standings. This stretch could be pivotal in seeing where our Badgers end up in the league standings.
Finishing Strong
Last year, the Badgers finished the season playing three out of their four games on the road. This year is much different with the Kohl Center hosting three of the final five games of the regular season. It is always nice to end the season at home. Especially with the Big Ten tournament trip and hopefully a NCAA tournament trip soon to follow. Not to mention, the Badgers could be looking for some wins to solidify that tournament resume. Wins at home over Michigan and Purdue to end the year could make them a lock for the big dance.
My Predictions
My bias may be showing here, however I think this young Badgers team has the tools to surprise some people. Do I think the Badgers will return to the top four of the league? Probably not, but again you never know and it is way too early to make predictions. Nonetheless, I think this team can finish in the top six of the Big Ten conference and I can’t wait for the season to start.
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