4. STRIPE OUT GAME

It is time to “Stripe Out” the Kohl Center on Friday when the Badgers face Michigan State. Fans are encouraged to wear their section's respective color. 

See the charting chart to find out what color your section is wearing. The game against the Spartans is sold out. 

1. LAST TIME OUT

The Badgers came away with a rivalry win against Minnesota on Tuesday in Minneapolis, beating the Golden Gophers, 61-59. With the win, the team improved to 15-4 on the season and 7-1 in Big Ten play.

It marks the seventh straight victory against Minnesota for the Badgers, having won 16 of the last 18 meetings. Wisconsin held Minnesota to just 59 points, the lowest total for the season since Chicago State's 53 points on Dec. 22, 2023. 

AJ Storr recorded his first career double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. It was the sophomore's 14th straight game reaching double figures this season. 

Tyler Wahl contributed 16 points and three rebounds, while matching his season-highs with four assists and three blocks. 

2. SERIES HISTORY

Friday's game will be the 155th meeting between Wisconsin and Michigan State. MSU leads the series all-time 86-68, but since the 2001-02 season the Spartans only have 23-21 advantage. The Badgers are 47-28 all-time against the Spartans in Madison. 

It is the second meeting between the two sides this season, with the Badgers beating MSU in East Lansing on Dec. 5, 2023. Wisconsin cruised to a 70-57 win behind a 22 point and five rebound performance by AJ Storr and a 18 point, six rebounds and five assists night from Steven Crowl. 

The Badgers are looking for their first home and away season sweep of the Spartans since the 2003-04 season. At least one of the two teams has been ranked in each of the last 53 meeting dating back to 1998. 

3. SCOUTING THE OPPONENT

The Spartans have an overall record of 12-7 and are an even 4-4 in the Big Ten. The team is on a three game win streak in conference play and is coming off a 61-59 win against Maryland on Sunday, Jan. 21.

Senior guard Tyson Walker is averaging 19.7 points per game, which ranks 30th among players in the nation. Rounding out the double figure scoring averages is AJ Hoggard (11.2), Malik Hall (11.1) and Jaden Akins (10.4). 

5. GARD TALLIES 100 BIG TEN WINS

Head Coach Greg Gard reached 100 conference wins after the victory against Minnesota on Tuesday. In doing so he became the 23rd coach in conference history and fourth Badger head coach to accomplish the feat. 

Gard reached 100 Big Ten wins in 162 total games, the 6th fastest coach to reach the century mark over the last 50 years. His overall record at Wisconsin is now 179-97 (.649) and 100-62 (.617). Among coaches with 100 Big Ten wins, Gard's .617 win percentage ranks 11th in conference history.