John Blackwell during a game against Iowa

Dan Sanger

Men's Basketball February 15, 2024

Five Things to Know: Wisconsin vs. Iowa

Badgers visit Iowa City for conference clash

MADISON, Wis. — The No. 20 Wisconsin men's basketball team travels to Iowa City to face Iowa on Saturday. The game against the Hawkeyes will tip off at 1:15 p.m. (CT) on Big Ten Network.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW:

Chucky Hepburn (23) against Ohio State

1. LAST TIME OUT

Wisconsin snapped a four-game losing streak and got back in the win column on Tuesday night at home with a 62-54 win over Ohio State. In holding the Buckeyes to 54 points, the Badgers had their best defensive effort in Big Ten play this season.

Steven Crowl led the Badgers with 16 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 7-for-14 from the field. AJ Storr finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds, securing his second double-double of the season (second of his career). Tyler Wahl had 10 points, while also grabbing seven rebounds. Chucky Hepburn ran the show dishing out seven assists (zero turnovers), plus nine points, five rebounds and two steals.

Nolan Winter (31) against Iowa earlier this season

2. SERIES HISTORY

Saturday's game between Wisconsin and Iowa will mark the 175th all-time meeting between the two programs in a rivalry that began in 1909. The Badgers lead the all-time series, 89-85, having won the past four games against Iowa. UW is looking for a season sweep of the Hawkeyes for the second straight season.

This will be the second meeting between the two sides this season. Back on Jan. 2, Wisconsin earned an 83-72 win at the Kohl Center. Four Badgers scored 14 or more points in that game, led by Tyler Wahl's 19-point, eight-rebound effort. AJ Storr finished with 16 points, while Max Klesmit scored 15 points. Steven Crowl posted a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Connor Essegian (3) against Ohio State

3. SCOUTING THE OPPONENT

The Hawkeyes are 14-11 overall this season, including a 6-8 mark in Big Ten play. Iowa is coming off a 78-66 loss against Maryland on Wednesday. Iowa has been one of the best offensive team in the Big Ten this season, averaging 83.5 points per game. The Hawkeyes surrender 78.0 points per game to opponents, however, which ranks among the league's worst.

Senior Tony Perkins leads the way for Iowa, averaging 15.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Payton Sandfort is averaging 15.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per contest, while Ben Krikke is putting up 14.5 points per outing.

Steven Crowl (22) against Ohio State

4. THE CROWL CORRELATION

There has been a correlation between junior Steven Crowl taking shots and Wisconsin's success this season. In games where the big man has scored double figures, the Badgers are 11-3. His dominance was once again on full display against Ohio State on Tuesday, as the 7-footer finished with a team-high 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Outside of scoring in the post, Crowl has been selective and effective from behind the arc this season, making 16-of-36 (.444) from 3-point range. He also ranks seventh in the Big Ten in rebounds, grabbing 7.8 boards per game. Crowl ranks fourth in the Big Ten in offensive rebounds per game (2.6).

Isaac Lindsey (10) against Ohio State

5. FINAL STRETCH

The Badgers are in the home stretch of the season with just five games remaining on the schedule after Iowa. Two of those remaining contests are against ranked opponents, hosting No. 14 Illinois on March 2 and playing at No. 2 Purdue on March 10. Three of those remaining five games will be played in Madison.

The Big Ten Tournament is approaching fast, with the event starting March 13 and running until March 17. This year's conference tournament will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Sticky Bar

Wisconsin Badgers