Milwaukee, WI – The 14th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers continue their impressive season as they head to take on the Milwaukee Panthers in a clash between two of the state's top teams.
The all-time series between these two has been dominated by the Badgers. Wisconsin has won 27-of-28 in the rivalry.
Wisconsin improved to 8-2 with an impactful win over UNLV its last time out. All of the Badgers' wins have been by double digits. Wisconsin's two losses came from nationally ranked North Carolina and Marquette. Coach Bo Ryan's team is one of the best defensive units in the country. The Badgers are holding opponents to just 44.9 points per game on a measly 33.5 percent shooting from the field. The Badgers are scoring 68.1 points per game while scorching opponents from the outside with 9.4 treys per game
The Panthers dropped a 67-51 decision at Northern Iowa Saturday afternoon, snapping a four-game winning streak. Milwaukee had 15 turnovers and allowed 14 offensive rebounds in the loss. The defeat dropped Milwaukee to 8-2 on the year, which is still its best start since 2002-2003. The Panthers are the reigning Horizon League champions and are off to a 2-0 start in conference play. Coach Rob Jeter's team is scoring 64.9 points per game on 42.6 percent shooting from the field and 34.1 percent shooting from three-point range. Milwaukee is also a very good defensive squad as it is allowing just 58.6 points per game on 38.9 percent shooting from the field.
Jordan Taylor is once again the leader of the Badgers. The Preseason All- American struggled against UNLV as he went 0-of-10 from the floor and scored just four points in the win. Taylor is still one of the most feared floor generals in the country. The senior is scoring 11.6 points and dishing out 5.7 assists per game while controlling the pace of the game. With Taylor having an off night, it left room for Ben Brust to come off the bench to deliver a stellar performance. Brust scored 25 points against UNLV as he made 8-of-9 from the field and a record setting 7-of-7 from three-point range. Mike Bruesewitz provide a strong post presence as he grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds in the winning effort over the Running Rebels.
Kaylon Williams leads the Panthers with 12.8 points per game and 5.7 assists per game. Williams will be tested by Taylor, who is one of the more physical defenders at the position he will face this season. James Haarsma is a solid post player with averages of 10.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Haarsma will need to be more assertive if the Panthers hope to beat the Badgers as he has averaged 4.5 shots per game in his last two contests.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.