Wisconsin basketball improved to 13-3 on the season and 3-2 in Big Ten play with a decisive 80-59 win over Minnesota on Friday.
The win continues the team’s strong momentum to start the calendar year. The Badgers have now won five straight games dating back to Dec. 14, including over Big Ten opponents Iowa, Rutgers, and now Minnesota.
Related: Takeaways from Wisconsin basketball’s blowout win over Minnesota
The Badgers have continued their strong offensive performance through this stretch. They are averaging 86 points per game, highlighted by a record-breaking 116-point showing against Iowa.
More significantly, the team is rounding into form defensively. It is allowing just 69 points per game over its last three wins. Defense defined the victory over the Golden Gophers, as Wisconsin held Minnesota to just 45 points through the first 35 minutes of game action. Wisconsin had a 29-point lead at that time. The game was in hand, which allowed Minnesota to close on a mini-run to boost its scoring total.
The defensive side of the court will define Wisconsin’s postseason success. Strong complimentary play, highlighted by top-end defense, will be required for the team to finally make a deep run in March.
As of Jan. 11, rating metrics are taking note of that defensive improvement. Here is where the Badgers stand in both KenPom and the ESPN BPI after the win over Minnesota:
- KenPom: No. 21 overall (same ranking as it held after the Rutgers win) and No. 6 in the Big Ten, with the No. 12 offense and No. 56 defense in the country.
- ESPN BPI: No. 27 overall (up four spots) and No. 6 in the Big Ten, with a projected record of 21.6 – 9.4 and a 7.2% chance to win the Big Ten.
Of note, Wisconsin’s KenPom defensive rating has shot up from the 80s into the mid-50s. That trajectory should lead to a further rise over the coming weeks.
The Badgers are back on the court on Tuesday for a home game against Ohio State. They may again carry a ranking in the AP Poll by the time that game tips off.
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