Wisconsin Looks to Rebound Against Iowa in Madison Showdown
The Wisconsin Badgers, ranked 24th, are gearing up to shake off a tough road loss as they prepare to host Iowa on Sunday. After a solid run that saw them win nine out of eleven games and break into the Top 25, the Badgers stumbled with an 86-69 defeat at Ohio State.
Coach Greg Gard emphasized the need to move forward, stating, "Last week doesn't matter. You move on one game at a time." It’s clear the Badgers are ready to refocus and bring their A-game back to Madison.
Iowa, on the other hand, is riding high after pulling off an upset against ninth-ranked Nebraska, marking their first victory over a ranked team since 2024. With a 19-7 record, the Hawkeyes are nipping at Wisconsin's heels in the Big Ten standings.
Currently sitting in sixth place in the conference, Wisconsin is a game behind Nebraska and Michigan State, with five games left to secure a top-four spot and a coveted triple bye in the Big Ten tournament. Iowa, just a game behind Wisconsin, is part of a tightly packed race.
The Badgers struggled against Ohio State, trailing 38-26 at halftime and failing to recover. Their dynamic backcourt duo, Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, combined for 28 points, falling short of their usual output. The team’s reliance on the three-point shot was evident as they hit only 7 of 26 from beyond the arc.
Coach Gard noted, "We didn't have the same fight to us that we've had over the last two, three weeks." With an average of 83.1 points per game, Wisconsin will look to rediscover their offensive groove, led by Boyd’s 20.3 points per game and Blackwell’s 18.8.
Wisconsin’s home record of 13-2 will be tested by an Iowa team that’s 3-5 on the road. Iowa coach Ben McCollum acknowledged the Badgers' offensive prowess, calling them a top 10 offense nationally.
Iowa’s recent victory over Nebraska showcased their resilience, breaking a 45-45 tie in the final minutes. Bennett Stirtz shone with 25 points, continuing his streak of high-scoring games, while Tavion Banks dominated the boards with 10 rebounds.
The Hawkeyes average 76.2 points per game and boast a stingy defense, allowing just 64.4 points-a figure that leads the Big Ten and ranks 10th nationally. Stirtz and Banks are key contributors, with Stirtz averaging 20.5 points and Banks adding 10.7 points and 4.8 rebounds.
Wisconsin has had the upper hand in recent matchups, winning six of the last seven against Iowa, including a sweep last season. As both teams vie for critical positioning in the conference, Sunday's clash promises to be a pivotal encounter.