After a strong showing Sunday against No. 11 Penn State that turned into a tough 78-68 loss, Wisconsin (3-10 Big Ten, 10-15 overall) is hoping to finally will its way to a win against No. 23 Michigan State (9-3, 17-8) Thursday at the Kohl Center for Student Organization Night.
“I tell them every game—we have enough to win,” head coach Bobbie Kelsey said. “But we have to put it all together.”
The Badgers undoubtedly put up a fight against a top team in Penn State Sunday, but could not maintain a lead and ultimately allowed the Lions to dominate the end of the game.
“We lost a tough one to Penn State this last week here,” Kelsey said. “To play the 11th-ranked team in the country, we had an opportunity to do something really special, but we just couldn’t close it out.”
Wisconsin took on the Spartans just a few weeks ago on the road in East Lansing, with MSU nearly beating out the Badgers 71-67. Although UW trailed for the entire game after the Spartans started off with a 9-0 run, Wisconsin consistently chipped away at the lead, coming within as few as two points late in the first half.
The game marks a special opportunity for the Badgers to show their worth before the rapidly dwindling season ends. It also marks a special occasion for senior guard Morgan Paige, who has been an invaluable asset this season—her 100th straight game for Wisconsin.
“She doesn’t play perfect games, but I can always depend on her to play hard. She’ll make mistakes here and there ... but you can appreciate the passion she plays with and the toughness that she plays with,” Kelsey said. “She knows we need her. And she steps up every time.”
A win Thursday would be a big statement for Wisconsin, who lost eight of its last nine games, and Kelsey is hopeful that the team will be able to pull through.
“Every win is a big win for us, but when you’re playing against the top of the league, you want to have that statement, signature game that you can build upon,” Kelsey said. “I think the kids are itching for a win. We all are. And being close is nice, but you want to get—you just got to turn the page and turn the corner and take it.”
