Big Ten Basketball: Conference tournament preview and predictions

4. Wisconsin Badgers

What a remarkable turnaround. The Badgers are 10-2 over their last 12 games and now could be looking at anywhere from a 5-7 seed in the tournament depending on how they finish. It is a far cry from a team that was once 9-9 (1-4) on January 12 after a road loss to Northwestern. This article here breaks down some of the reasons for the turnaround, but let’s breakdown a potential Saturday match-up against the Spartans.

They have met twice this season and split the meetings. The game that kicked off Wisconsin’s run was a 77-76 over Sparty in Madison behind 27 points from junior guard Bronson Koenig.

The second meeting in East Lansing saw Michigan State prevail 69-57 with 24 points and 10 assists from Denzel Valentine. The difference here for Wisconsin? The play of sophomore forward Nigel Hayes.

Hayes scored 25 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the Wisconsin victory, but played his worst game of the season in their loss. Hayes was just 1-of-13 from the field and scored a season low five points.

For Wisconsin to have a chance against Sparty, he has to score at least around his average (16.5 ppg.)

Beyond this, expect a typical rock fight between Wisconsin and Michigan State. It seems like every year Big Ten fans are treated to these programs going at each other in the beginning of March. This year could be another great version of that.

Next: 3. Purdue Boilermakers