Wisconsin basketball has shocked the college basketball world with their impressive start to this season. Even the most optimistic Badger fans like myself, didn’t expect this even in their wildest dreams. Currently 14-2 overall and 5-1 in the Big Ten, Wisconsin hopes to jump into the Nation’s top 10 this week after a huge win over Ohio State. Still a long way to go in the season, let’s take a look at the remaining schedule for Wisconsin Basketball.
Rest of January
The Badgers are currently perfect to start the New Year, which started with a win in Mackey Arena against the number 3 team in the country Purdue. With 4 games remaining in January, Wisconsin has the chance to remain perfect as 3 of the 4 matchups are favorable.
However, as we have said many times there is no such thing as an easy win in the Big Ten. Just ask Michigan State who lost to Northwestern at home with the Wildcats missing one of their top players. Speaking of Northwestern and Michigan State, those are the Bagders next two opponents this week. Tuesday night at Northwestern could be a potential trap game after getting a good ranking. Followed then a huge matchup on Friday night against Michigan State. Let’s hope the Kohl Center is rocking Friday night.
To finish off the month they are on the road at Nebraska and home against Minnesota. The Gophers have been another surprise team in the Big Ten, behind first year head coach Ben Johnson who has done a fantastic job. Not to mention border battle games are never easy.
February
The first 8 days of February might arguably be the hardest stretch of the season for Wisconsin. First game of the month, how about at Illinois. The fighting Illini have a great team and currently are undefeated in Big Ten play. Followed by a Saturday night home game against Penn State. Tuesday Feb. 8th the Badgers are back on the road to face Michigan State again.
The rest of the month is pretty kind to the Badgers. Currently, no teams in that five game stretch are ranked in the top 25. However, some notable games in there is Michigan at home Sunday afternoon on the 20th and on the road Feb 23th at Minnesota along with at Rutgers the 26th. That is another tough three game stretch all being winnable games but still pose a challenge for the Badgers.
March
With only two regular season games in March, the Badgers take on Purdue and Nebraska both at home. As I mentioned in my Big Ten Schedule release article, last season the Badgers had to finish with 3 out of 4 games on the road. This season, 3 out of the last 5 are home. Nice way to end the season before the Big Ten tournament and NCAA tournament soon to follow. The Purdue game could also have some implications as to where both teams fall in the Big Ten standings. Considering, both the Badgers and Boilermakers expect to be atop the conference.
Tournament Resume
With already 6 Quad 1 wins, the Badgers have built an impressive tournament resume and have all but locked up a spot in the big dance. Out of four publications who update seedings each week. The badgers landed at 2 on Fox sports and CBS sports. While being a number 3 seed on ESPN and Bracketville. The Badgers are also number 6 in strength of schedule according to ESPN BPI.
My Hopes
My hopes and expectations have already been shattered by this group. Now they have me wanting more and also super optimistic about the rest of this season. I hope to see the Badgers end up in the top four of the Big Ten. Which would solidify a double bye in the Big Ten Tournament. I also would like to see them take care of lesser opponents especially at home. It won’t be perfect, and the Badgers certainly wont go undefeated the rest of the season. But, the rest of the schedule should have Wisconsin Basketball fans excited. Enjoy the ride!
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