The Wisconsin Badgers play host to the Penn State Nittany Lions on Tuesday night in a crucial Big Ten showdown from the Kohl Center. Penn State comes into this one coming off one of their biggest wins in recent memory, while the Badgers are looking to snap out of their own skid. Last year, the Badgers swept the season series, while having won nine of the last ten meetings overall. With nothing to separate these two in the standings though, this is likely to be an interesting showdown.
Penn State has had an up-and-down season so far but sitting at .500 in Big Ten play is a great place to be in, especially considering how the schedule has played out so far. A two-game losing streak had questions surrounding what this team was capable of, though they bounced back in a massive way the last time out. Welcoming Indiana to town, they came away with a 19-point win against one of the premier programs in the conference, giving them another head-turning win on the season. Going on the road is likely to cause them some issues in this one though. Away from home, the Nittany Lions are 3-4 on the season this year, with the Kohl Center being a tough place to play. If the Nittany Lions can grab the win in this one, they might be taken seriously in the top half of the Big Ten standings going forward.
Penn State has one injury that they continue to navigate as they hit the road in this one. Caleb Dorsey (shoulder) re mains out indefinitely and while far from a key piece, has provided double-digit minutes off the bench this season. As one of their better frontcourt players, he is likely to be missed in this one.
Our largest-ever win over the Hoosiers ??
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— Penn State Men's Basketball (@PennStateMBB) January 12, 2023
Penn State's offense has impressed this season and their efficiency in all aspects has been key. They rank 76th nationally in field-goal percentage while ranking 11th in three-point percentage, which is sure to be a difference in this one. Jalen Pickett (17.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 7.4 apg) has established himself as one of the top players in the country and if he can continue to lead the way, Wisconsin will have a tough time having an answer. Not to be forgotten are a fair of three-point threats as well. The key will be the defense in this one though, and with Penn State having one of the best field goal defenses in the Big Ten, this is a matchup where they can floruish, even despite being on the road.