Following a persistent second-half surge and victory against the Penn State Nittany Lions, Greg Gard’s Wisconsin Badgers (12-6, 4-4) fell to Chris Collins’ Northwestern Wildcats (13-5, 4-3) 66-63 Jan. 23 in Evanston, Illinois.
Prior to Monday’s tip, the Badgers boasted a 17-4 record in their previous 21 contests against the Wildcats, including seven consecutive victories from February 2018 to January 2022. With a reputation consisting of stout defensive play, dependability down the stretch and an emphasis on protecting the rock, the red and white appeared poised to secure their second straight win against a Big Ten opponent.