The Badgers pulled to within two games of No. 5 Michigan State after beating the Spartans by 18 points Tuesday, and now look to continue their ascent through the Big Ten Saturday against Michigan.
No. 16 Wisconsin (7-3 Big Ten, 17-5 overall) may be coming off its most important victory of the season, but it cannot afford a hiccup Saturday against the Wolverines (4-6, 11-11) if it hopes to contend for a regular season conference title.
After third-year coach John Beilein led Michigan to the NCAA tournament last season, the Wolverines have largely been a disappointment. A losing conference record means Michigan has plenty of work left to do if it hopes to return to the NCAA field, thus the Badgers are facing a desperate team Saturday.
In the two team's first meeting in Madison, the Wolverines roared out to an 11-point lead after the Badgers came out of the gate flat. Despite a poor shooting night, the Badgers used a steady comeback and some timely shooting to squeeze out a victory. But according to senior guard Jason Bohannon, the Badgers cannot afford to skate on thin ice against the Wolverines.
""We need to start off fast,"" Bohannon said. ""We can't start off really slow and kind of work our way back into the game and then make a comeback at the end, especially on the road, it's that much tougher.""
Michigan employs a unique approach, starting four guards with junior Manny Harris and sophomores Stu Douglass, Zack Novak and Laval Lucas-Perry. Such a small lineup would usually result in a dangerous long-distance shooting threat, but Michigan has struggled in that area this season, shooting just 29.5 percent from 3-point range.
Yet with all the guards Michigan will throw at Wisconsin, associate head coach Greg Gard said the Wolverines still have potential from long range.
""They haven't shot the percentage of makes they'd like to, but they're a team that's definitely capable,"" Gard said. ""I don't know if I've seen, in watching all those games on film, a team that's had more 3s rattle in and out during the year than what they've had.""
In terms of overall offensive production, Harris leads the team with 18.7 points per game. But senior forward DeShawn Sims may be the most difficult match up for the Badgers.
""Sims is going to get looks, he can hit some outside shots,"" head coach Bo Ryan said.
""We're trying to limit how many touches a guy gets but he's that good because he's that strong and long.""
Sims is scoring 17 points per game this season and shooting 30.9 percent from 3-point range.
Players respond to NCAA tournament rumors
Ryan and Bohannon both commented on the possibility of an expanded 96-team NCAA tournament, but had varying opinions on the subject.
""Both men's and women's basketball should get more teams participating in postseason play,"" Ryan said. ""It's not perfect to the student athletes who don't get the same advantages other sports. Our representation should be higher.""
Bohannon said he is fine with the current system, but played his cards a little close to his chest.
""I like it how it is. Everyone's kind of been used to it,"" Bohannon said. ""Maybe it'll be better but maybe it won't be.""
