Despite a shocking 70-58 loss to Nebraska in the 2nd round of the Big Ten Tournament, Wisconsin will still make it on Selection Sunday. The Badgers are now ranked #33 on KenPom.com and #40 in ESPN’s RPI.
Here’s a look at where the Badgers stand with conference tournaments playing out and Greg Gard’s team taking in a week of rest.
Recent Play
Since January 12th, the Badgers have only lost three games in 14 total contests. Two of these losses came on the road against top-25 teams in Michigan State and Purdue. The loss to Nebraska on Thursday will not impact seeding too much, unless some other teams in a similar tier fly up the bracket board this weekend.
Marquee Victories
The Badgers own an 11-6 record against teams ranked in the RPI top 100, and hold a respectable 7-5 record when playing on the road.
77-76 Win at home against Michigan State (RPI 13) (KenPom.com, 3)
70-57 Win on the road against Maryland (RPI 12) (KenPom.com, 24)
67-59 Win on the road against Iowa (RPI 23) (KenPom.com, 17)
82-79 Win at home against Indiana (RPI 22) (KenPom.com, 9)
66-58 Win on the road against Syracuse (RPI 57) (KenPom.com, 41)
74-73 Win on a neutral court against VCU (RPI 39) (KenPom.com, 37)
Bad Losses
The beginning of the year really hurt the Badgers. Were it not for six losses to sub RPI 100 teams, the Badgers would likely be a ranked team by now. One thing the Badgers do have going for them, however, is that they have not suffered a bad loss in almost two months when they lost on the road to the 108th ranked Northwestern Wildcats.
67-69 loss at home against Western Illinois (RPI 256) (KenPom.com, 233)
67-68 loss at home against UW-Milwaukee (RPI 169) (KenPom.com, 114)
65-70 loss on the road against Northwestern (RPI 108) (KenPom.com, 75)
55-57 loss at home against Marquette (RPI 105) (KenPom.com, 101)
70-58 loss on neutral court against Nebraska (RPI 159) (KenPom.com, 96)
Other Factors
- The Badgers currently have the #3 strength of schedule, playing 10 games against teams ranked in the AP top 25. However, Wisconsin is only 4-6 in these games.
- There are no major injuries on the Badgers’ roster.
- Wisconsin has lost two straight games going into the tournament, which is not good for a young team’s confidence.
- The Badgers will have a week off to get rested for a run.
Latest Projection
After the dud against Nebraska, I would project a #7 or #8 seed, with teams hoping they don’t match up with the Badgers.