Coming off a dominant 26-point victory over the Washington Huskies, the No. 11 Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team will head to East Lansing to take on the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans on Sunday. Both teams are fighting for a potential No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, so this matchup will be crucial in determining this outcome.
The Badgers dominated from start to finish in their victory on Tuesday. They came out with no mercy after the Oregon Ducks upset them at the Kohl Center on Feb. 22. Sophomore guard John Blackwell recorded arguably his best performance of the season after recording his first career double-double, with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Wisconsin’s commanding victory over the Huskies marked the first time since 2010 that the Badgers recorded at least three 25-point victories in conference play. But despite their dominant play in conference play this season, the Badgers will face their toughest task yet on Sunday.
Breslin Center is known to be one of the toughest college basketball environments for a reason. The Spartans have only lost at home once this season. A hostile environment combined with one of the best college basketball coaches of all time on the Michigan State sideline is not ideal for the Badgers.
Michigan State currently sits atop the Big Ten with a 14-3 conference record. The Spartans will ride a four-game winning streak into the matchup on Sunday. Their most recent win ended in dramatic fashion with a last-second buzzer-beater to defeat the Maryland Terrapins.
During the winning streak, the Spartans have defeated top Big Ten teams with three of the games coming on the road. It’s safe to say that Michigan State is well-tested and will be ready for the Badgers this weekend.
The Spartans are a very different team offensively from the Badgers. Statistically, Michigan State has 10 players who average at least five points per game, but none that average more than 13 points per game. Michigan State gets it done with their depth.
The Badgers currently sit third in the Big Ten Standings. A win over the Spartans would be crucial to them clinching a top four seed in the Big Ten Tournament and earning a double-bye. It will be a tall task, but the Badgers are battle-tested and ready for Sunday.
Tip-off is at 12:30 p.m. at the Breslin Center.
