In arguably the toughest draw for a No. 3 seed in recent history, the Wisconsin Badgers (8-10-0, 2-4-0 Big Ten) face off against the Indiana Hoosiers later today in the opening round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament. The Hoosiers (11-1-6), ranked No. 2 in many national polls draw the No. 6 seeded Badgers in a rematch of an October 14 game, which the Badgers lost 5-2 at the McClimon Complex.
Since then, both teams have been playing nearly flawless soccer. The Badgers, winners of their last three, and four of their last five, hope to continue this streak. In this stretch, the Badgers' offense, which has been dormant much of this season, found a go-to-guy in the form of freshman Victor Diaz. Since his recent move to striker, Diaz leads the team in total points with 16 (7 goals, 2 assists). With Diaz playing so well upfront, he has taken a great weight off the defense.
In early games, with limited offensive production, the Badgers were suspect to many 0-1, or 1-2 losses (UW has been shut out five times this season). These losses began to wear on the team but now with the emergence of Diaz, they have been able to catch their breath. Allowing only three goals in their past three games, the Badgers, led by captain Aaron Holhbein and goalkeeper Jake Settle, must continue that type of control if they have any hope against IU Thursday afternoon. Unfortunately, that task may be easier said than done.
The Hoosiers have a stable of competent strikers who could potentially give Holhbein and Co. nightmares. Luckily for the Badgers, IU will be without their leading scorer, Brian Plotkin (25 pts). Plotkin is serving a suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards, leaving IU with only two players with 20-plus point totals.
If one thing holds true, it is that the Badgers have all the makings of a Cinderella at this year's Big Ten Tournament. They have nothing to lose and the road to the Big Ten title always travels through Indiana. In the past 14 years, the championship team has either been IU, or the team that defeated them. The Badgers certainly could make some noise this weekend, and it all starts today at 11:45 a.m.
