In a surprising turn of events, the Wisconsin Badgers have emerged as the Big Ten's last undefeated team, raising questions about their potential to challenge for the conference title. This comes as Purdue, the preseason favorite, faces stiff competition from Greg Gard's squad, which improved to 4-0 in league play with a convincing 71-60 victory over Ohio State on Wednesday.
Wisconsin's recent success can be attributed to a five-game winning streak that followed an early December setback against Arizona. During this stretch, the Badgers secured victories over Jacksonville State, Chicago State, Iowa, Nebraska, and Ohio State, all by double-digit margins. Notable contributors to their recent triumph include Max Klesmit, who scored all 18 of his points in the second half against Ohio State, along with strong performances from AJ Storr and Tyler Wahl.
While critics argue that Wisconsin's recent opponents may not represent the toughest competition, the Badgers have shown resilience against challenging teams. Wins over Virginia, No. 11 Marquette, and Michigan State earlier in the season demonstrate the team's ability to step up in critical moments. Despite being only four games into the conference schedule, Wisconsin appears to be a formidable contender for the Big Ten title.
After the pivotal road win against Ohio State, Coach Gard emphasized the difficulty of securing victories on the road and commended his team's preparation and performance. He acknowledged the significance of road wins and expressed his satisfaction with the group's overall effort.
In a separate development, Michigan's leading scorer, Dug McDaniel, is facing a unique suspension that applies only to road games. Coach Juwan Howard announced a six-game suspension, during which McDaniel will focus on meeting academic goals. This unconventional approach reflects the program's commitment to setting high standards for its student-athletes.
As Wisconsin continues to dominate in the Big Ten, the conference landscape is evolving, with the Badgers emerging as a legitimate threat to Purdue's presumed dominance. While it's still early in the season, Wisconsin's consistent performances and ability to win against quality opponents position them as contenders for the coveted Big Ten title. The college basketball season promises more twists and turns, making it essential to keep a close eye on the Badgers' journey in the coming weeks.
