Badgers look to avenge loss

It is always hard to leave home, but after Sunday's contest against Purdue (7-6 Big Ten, 17-9 overall), the Wisconsin men's basketball team (8-4, 17-6) will bid adieu to the Kohl Center for the 2003-04 season. Though Wisconsin is riding high on a 26-game win streak at home, Purdue already proved once this season that it is not an easy team to beat. Back on Jan. 14 these two teams met and battled until the final seconds. During the closing seven minutes of the contest, the Badgers climbed back into the game after being down nine points. Junior guard Devin Harris could have been a hero with his three-point attempt from the top of the key, but unfortunately for the Badgers, the shot rimmed out and they received their first Big Ten loss of the season, 53-51.There is no doubt that Purdue will continue to use the same defensive pressure on Sunday that it has used all season. The Boilermaker defense has held its opponents to 58.1 points per game and 39 percent shooting, both Big Ten bests. The Boilermakers have many players that excel in their game all-around. One player in particular that contributes to making Purdue a tough team to beat is senior guard Kenneth Lowe. He is not only the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, but also the team's leading scorer. During the first meeting against the Badgers, he tallied a team high 13 points and overall he is still leading the team with his average of 13.8 points per game.Sophomore guard David Teague adds extra strength by complimenting Lowe in the backcourt. It is not common that a guard leads a team in rebounding but Teague's six boards per game are a best for Purdue. Besides dominating the glass for the Boilermakers, his 11points per game prove that he can score as well.The Boilermakers recently faced their own off-the-court troubles when senior center Ivan Kartelo was arrested last weekend for punching a bouncer and at press time, it was uncertain whether his playtime would be affected.During the opening stages of the season, Purdue looked like they had all the tools necessary to make up one of the better teams in the Big Ten. Besides beating Wisconsin earlier this season, the Boilermakers were able to knock off the two current teams at the top of the Big Ten; Michigan State and Illinois. Since those victories though, things have not gone as expected. After their 76-70 upset against the Spartans, they have gone 3-5 thanks to stubbing their toes against teams like Ohio State and Northwestern.While it would be nice to make it 28 straight at the Kohl Center, the biggest thing for the Badgers is gaining momentum for their final two games on the road. Wisconsin has proven it needs all the help it can get away from home. Though they currently stand at third place in the conference, a final win at home would do the trick to help the Badgers inch closer to the Big Ten championship.