Both Wisconsin and Penn State are looking like threats in the Big Ten sitting at 12-1 on the season. For Wisconsin, this record is expected as the Badgers were ranked No. 1 overall in the conference preseason poll. Bo Ryan is aiming for his sixth conference title. However, Penn State is off to prove people wrong with their success. The team is off to the most successful non-conference schedule in school history while hoping to keep the momentum alive as they enter Big Ten play against the Badgers.
Wisconsin is dealing with a roster filled with experience as most of the core group that made the Final Four last season has returned. That has been the main reason for the early season expectations. So far the Badgers have lived up to them despite falling to Duke at the start of December. They allowed the Blue Devils to shoot 65.2 percent as most opponents average 49.4 points on 34.6 shooting percentage. Frank Kaminsky led the way putting up 25 points and 11 rebounds in his fifth double-double of the season in a win over Buffalo. He is currently averaging 16.5 points per game.
Outside of Kaminsky, the play has been more inconsistent. Sam Dekker is averaging 12.1 points per game, but went 4 of 11 from the field against Buffalo. He had just four points against Duke. Ryan admits that play needs to step up despite the team's No. 4 ranking as they enter the tough Big Ten schedule.
Penn State is enjoying unexpected success as they notched a 10-game win streak, their longest since 1995-96. However, they have not played the quality opponents like Wisconsin has which is why the team is unranked. Their road wins have come against Bucknell and Marshall which have struggled on the season.
DJ Newbill is averaging 21.4 points per game while the team is outscoring opponents by an average of 6.7 points. Their offense will get tested as they prepare to face Wisconsin who is the best team they have seen all season.
