The Wisconsin Badgers play host to the Northwestern Wildcats on Sunday evening from the Kohl Center. In what has become an interesting game when it comes to the Big Ten standings and the bubble with March quickly approaching. The Wildcats have lost back-to-back games, while the Badgers grabbed a win the last time out to snap their own three-game losing streak. These two squared off just a few weeks ago, with the Wildcats grabbing the home win, though switching home venue will make it tough for them to secure a sweep.
Northwestern found itself on the right side of the bubble just a few weeks ago but after back-to-back losses to Michigan and Iowa, the Wildcats know that they need to get back into the win column. They've fared well so far this season on the road, sitting with a 4-2 record in true road games, though the Kohl Center is always a difficult place to come into and grab the win. The Wildcats will be hoping that this road game allows them to channel a similar performance as when they stunned Indiana, rather than when they lost by 16 to Iowa on the road just last week. Northwestern currently sits 57th in the NET Rankings and with March quickly approaching, the need for bubble wins continues to grow. The schedule only gets more difficult after Sunday's game, with a road game against Ohio State and home games against Purdue and Indiana to follow. If the win doesn't come in this one, the losing streak could extend for quite some time.
Northwestern has one injury to worry about as they hit the road for Sunday's matchup. Luke Hunger (foot) remains out for the season after going down in early January, though his absence isn't likely to shape how this one goes. Having only played in six games and averaging 2.7 points, the Wildcats should be able to find success without him.
The Wildcats (15-7, 6-5 B1G) begin a two-game Big Ten road swing tomorrow night against Wisconsin at 5:30 p.m. CT.
— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) February 4, 2023
The Wildcats have been led by their defensive intensity this season and against a Wisconsin team that isn't too dangerous, they should be able to keep them at bay. Northwestern ranks 24th in scoring defense and 30th in field-goal percentage, which is much-needed considering their offense ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten. Boo Buie (16.2 ppg, 4.5 apg) and Chase Audige (15.5 ppg) lead the way but there is a serious dropoff should either of those two get into foul trouble. For as strong as the defense is, one area of concern is their three-point defense, especially with how well Wisconsin has been shooting it from long range. If they can't run the Badgers off the three-point line, it could be a struggle for them to keep pace.
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