Preview: The Gophers (15-4, 3-3) saw their Top 25 ranking for the first time in four years get wiped away after back-to-back losses to Michigan State and Penn State. The team collapsed at the end of last weekend's game at Penn State. Offense appears to be the biggest issue, with Richard Pitino's team averaging 78.3 points in the first four games but only 48.5 in the past two defeats. No. 17 Wisconsin (15-3, 4-1) ranks just eighth in the Big Ten in scoring in conference games (71.8), but it leads the conference in scoring defense in Big Ten games (63.2). The Badgers have five straight wins in the series dating back to Pitino's first season in 2013-14.

Players to watch: Junior Reggie Lynch scored in double figures for the fourth time in the past five games with a team-high 12 points in the 52-50 loss at Penn State. Lynch, who had been plagued by foul trouble, tied a career high with 32 minutes. Wisconsin sophomore Ethan Happ is the only player in the NCAA averaging at least 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Numbers: Wisconsin has won 11 of its past 12 games this season, outscoring opponents by 19.6 points during that span.

Marcus Fuller