Wisconsin Badgers
Purdue
Five Things to Know: Wisconsin vs. Purdue
March 08, 2024 | Men's Basketball
Badgers close out regular season on the road
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin men's basketball team closes out the regular season on the road against No. 3 Purdue on Sunday in West Lafayette. Opening tip is set for 11:30 a.m. (CT) on FOX.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW:
1. LAST TIME OUT
Wisconsin concluded its home schedule with a 78-66 win over Rutgers at the Kohl Center on Thursday night.
Four different Badgers scored in double figures for the third straight game. AJ Storr scored in double figures for the 25th straight game, registering 19 points (3-6 3FGs) and 7 rebounds.
Steven Crowl notched his 6th double-double of the season (10th career) with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman John Blackwell had 17 points, shooting 9-for-10 at the free throw line, plus 8 rebounds.
Kamari McGee returned to the court after missing 11 games (injury), scoring a UW career high 11 points (5-5 FG, 1-1 3FG) in 10 minutes.
2. SERIES HISTORY
Sunday's game marks the 188th meeting between Wisconsin and Purdue in a series that began in 1906. The Boilermakers lead the all-time series, 113-74, and hold a 73-19 advantage in games played in West Lafayette. The series has been split the last six games, which includes a regular season sweep by the Badgers in 2022.
Earlier this season, Tyler Wahl had one of his best games of the year. He led Wisconsin in all five major statistical categories: 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks.
Wisconsin's last win at Mackey Arena came two seasons ago on Jan. 3, 2022 with a 74-69 win over No. 3 Purdue. Johnny Davis scored 37 points on that date.
3. SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Big Ten regular season champion Purdue enters Sunday's matchup ranked No. 3 in the country with a 27-3 overall record (16-3 Big Ten). The Boilermakers are an undefeated 15-0 when at home and are coming off a 77-71 win at No. 12 Illinois on Tuesday.
The Boilermakers are led by the reigning national player of the year, Zach Edey, who is the front runner again for this year's award. The big man is averaging 24.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. Sophomore point guard Braden Smith is averaging 13.1 points and 7.1 assists per game.
4. INSTANT IMPACT
On Thursday, junior Kamari McGee returned from injury after an 11 game absence due to injury. McGee made his presence felt right away in his first game back, helping lift the Badgers to victory.
In 10 minutes off the bench, the guard went a perfect 5-for-5 (1-1 3FG) from the field and finished with 11 points. It was a UW career-high for scoring from McGee, who also set season highs in made field goals and field goals attempts.
5. HUNT FOR THE DOUBLE BYE
The Big Ten Tournament kicks off next week in Minneapolis, spanning Wednesday, March 13 to Sunday, March 17. The top four teams in the Big Ten standings will receive double byes, with teams No. 5 through No. 8 receiving a single bye.
The battle for the double bye will come down to the final week of the regular season. Purdue (16-3) and Illinois (13-6) have clinched two of the double bye spots, but Nebraska, Northwestern and Wisconsin are fighting for the final two spots with identical 11-8 records.
