UW offense vs. Indiana defense
This matchup could not be more even. In Big Ten play, the Badger offense averages 67.6 points per game while the Hoosier defense gives up 66.9 points per contest. Wisconsin enters tonight's game after two sub-par shooting performances against Purdue and Illinois. While Joe Krabbenhoft provided a lift off the bench with nine points against the Boilermakers, Alando Tucker and Kammron Taylor continue to lead Wisconsin offensively. The duo combined for 33 points against Purdue. The three remaining starters scored only ten. Krabbenhoft, Taylor, Ray Nixon and Michael Flowers will need to make their outside shots to free Tucker in the paint.
Advantage: Toss up
Indiana offense vs. UW defense
Once again this matchup is a toss-up. In nine conference games, Wisconsin has surrendered an average of 63.3 points per game. The Hoosiers enter tonight's contest tallying 65.3 points per contest in conference play. With Brian Butch playing on a tender ankle, Jason Chappell will have to stop Indiana's Marco Killingsworth. The 6'9'', 268-pound power forward is a monster on the inside, averaging 18.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Unlike the Badgers, who rely on two players to carry the offensive load, the Hoosiers get additional production from guards Robert Vaden, Marshall Strickland and Roderick Wilmont, who all post more than 9.5 points per game. Advantage:?Toss up
Coaching
Ever since Bo Ryan became the Badgers' head coach in 2001, basketball commentators have marveled at his potent swing offense. Yet in recent weeks, the Wisconsin offense has virtually disappeared. When opponents double-team Alando Tucker, the Badgers go into launch mode and fire up brick after brick from the outside. To defeat Indiana, Ryan must get his team more open looks in the paint. Unlike his predecessor Bobby Knight, Mike Davis has not thrown any chairs in his six seasons as IU head coach. Davis has also never won at the Kohl Center and is 1-5 against Ryan.
Advantage: Badgers
Intangibles
After losing three in a row and five out of their last six games, the Badgers need a win tonight at the Kohl Center. With a tough schedule ahead including games at Michigan State and Iowa to end the Big Ten season, a loss would jeopardize Wisconsin's chances for an eighth- straight NCAA tournament bid. A win could turn the Badgers' season around and put them back in the hunt for a Big Ten title. Indiana has shown it can play with Duke and UConn, but they have also lost to Minnesota and Indiana St. Wisconsin has not lost two consecutive home games since 2000, and the Badgers will find a way to win tonight.
Advantage: Badgers
