The Wisconsin women's basketball team, seeded ninth in the Big 10, (5-11 Big Ten, 11-17 overall) faces eighth-seeded Penn State ( 6-10. 12-15) in the Big Ten Tournament opening round at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., today.
This first-round game will be an interesting matchup, with the teams having split the two games during the regular season.
Badgers' head coach Lisa Stone looks at the Big Ten Tournament as a clean slate and a new opportunity.
'It's a brand new season,' Stone said. 'I just like the fact that our team is playing its best basketball at the right time.'
Both the Nittany Lions and Badgers have had tough, close losses recently and are looking to rebound in the tournament.
'We just gotta continue to work what's best,' sophomore guard Jolene Anderson said.
Wisconsin, though, has to be aware of the Lions' top player, junior forward Amanda Brown. Sophomore guard Janese Banks says she recognizes Brown's talent and the Badgers must 'try and limit her touches, double team as much as possible and rebound.'
While focusing on Brown could be helpful, the Badgers are also aware that Penn State has other players that can be seen as potential threats, namely freshman guard Brianne O'Rourke and junior guard Kamela Gissendanner.
'Amanda Brown is a quality player, but I think they certainly have more balance with a lot of other kids too,' Stone said.
If the Badgers come out victorious Thursday, they will face the No. 1 seed Ohio State. But Wisconsin is not paying any attention to the second round of the Big Ten bracket.
'You can't get to the Ohio State game without getting through Penn State,' Stone said. 'We just gotta focus on getting that game first.'
Penn State has a lot of experience in the Big Ten Tournament with an overall record of 18-9, and Stone acknowledges that.
'They have tournament savvy,' Stone said. 'They've been to the tournament before. Penn State has had a long run of tournament championships.'
Last year the Lions were seeded third and had a heart-breaking 83-76 loss in the semifinals to the No. 2 seed Michigan State.
The last time the Badgers and Lady Lions met in the Big Ten Tournament was in 2002 with Penn State winning 76-62.
The Badgers are confident in their improved play recently and ready to start the tournament.
'We've made great strides defensively, we've made great strides offensively,' Stone said. 'We're looking forward to a brand new season.'
