24. Wisconsin (8-2)
Before this week, Wisconsin was in a very enviable position. They won their first eight games of the year, including nice performances against Arizona and Pittsburgh. While these Badgers weren’t playing the elite schedules that a few more prominent programs had faced, they were passing the early challenges and looked pretty great on offense, though one week has really dulled that shining start.
First, Wisconsin kicked off conference play in the Big Ten with a disappointing 67-64 home loss against Michigan. John Tonje had 18 points while John Blackwell had 16 points and 9 rebounds but Tuesday ended in the season’s first defeat. Four days later the Badgers grabbed a halftime lead at Marquette, but fell 88-74 to their in-state rivals. Max Klesmit led the team with 22 points but a poor defensive showing in the second half saw that opportunity go by the wayside.
Neither game was particularly encouraging, but is there still hope for these Badgers ahead? This team can absolutely get back on track in Big Ten play, especially with the way Tonje has been playing in the first month of the season. Question marks remain, especially with the long-range shooting and back-end talent, but Wisconsin has potential and needs to show it next week against Illinois and Butler, with neither game happening in Madison.