14. Wisconsin (8-0)
Regardless of whatever expectations existed before the season, Wisconsin has been playing solid basketball to open the season. The Badgers have been far from perfect and had a few questionable moments, but they won that big game over Arizona and then had success at the Greenbrier Tip-Off last week to put them back on the map.
Sunday was actually the finale for that tournament, with the Badgers scoring a very solid 81-75 victory against Pittsburgh for the title. John Tonje continued what’s been a brilliant start to his season with a 33-point, 7-rebound performance. Wisconsin got the week off and were back in action early Saturday, doing enough for a 74-53 win at home over Chicago State. Tonje played well again with 22 points while Nolan Winter added 12 points and 6 rebounds himself.
Like previously stated, the Badgers haven’t perfect, as evident by their recent struggles with UTRGV, but their record is perfect and they’re doing everything they need through one month of play. Tonje continues to be everything Wisconsin expected and much more, though the road ahead is just as rocky, especially with Big Ten play on the horizon. Next week begins that journey against Michigan before a true road test at rival Marquette.