Game Coverage
Saturday, Dec. 2 | 4 pm — Kohl Center
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin will play its earliest Big Ten opener in school history with games against Ohio State (Dec. 2) and at Penn State (Dec. 4). In order to account for the 2018 Big Ten Tournament being moved up a week in March, each team will play a pair of conference games this month.
Saturday's contest marks the first game of a Wisconsin-Ohio State doubleheader on FOX. The basketball game will tip at 4 p.m. (CT) before the two school's meet in the Big Ten Football Championship Game at 7 p.m. in Indianapolis.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW: OHIO STATE
1. TOUGHEST STRETCH: Wisconsin has played arguably the toughest schedule in the country so far. The Badgers are the only team in the country that has played four ranked teams already this season: vs. #15 Xavier, vs. #22 Baylor, vs. #23 UCLA and at #18 Virginia.
2. THISCLOSE: The Badgers are 0-4 against the AP top 25, but have come close to winning several. UW was tied or within 2 points with 2:00 remaining in three of the four games.
3. STILL STANDING TALL: Despite a 3-4Â start to the season, the Badgers are still ranked among the top teams according to Ken Pomeroy. Wisconsin is ranked No. 32 overall in the KenPom.com ratings, ranking 17th in defensive efficiency and 60th in offensive efficiency.
4. BIG TEN BEASTS: Wisconsin has boasted a winning conference record and finished among the top 4 in each of the last 17 seasons, owning the longest run of continued success of any team in the 110-year history of Big Ten basketball.
5. YOUTH MOVEMENT: For the first time in 20 years, UW is relying heavily on freshmen. The Badgers freshman foursome of Brad Davison, Aleem Ford, Kobe King and Nate Reuvers is accounting for a combined 20.1Â ppg and has played 41.8% of the minutes of the last two games.
ALL-TIME vs. OHIO STATE: Saturday's game will be the 158th meeting between Wisconsin and Ohio State in a series beginning in 1905. OSU leads the all-time series, 87-70, but UW holds a 48-32 edge in Madison.
- The teams split a pair of games last season. UW claimed an 89-66 win in Madison before OSU returned the favor, 83-73, in Columbus.
- UW went 14-11 (.583) against Thad Matta-led OSU teams, owning the best win percentage against Matta's Buckeyes of any Big Ten team.
For complete game notes, click here.
