The “Big Ten Play Begins” Game Thread: Rutgers At Wisconsin

How To Watch, Stream & Listen

Rutgers (11-2) At Wisconsin (11-2)

Where: The Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin

Tip-off: Tuesday, December 27th at 7:00 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN2 - Bob Picozzi and LaPhonso Ellis

Stream: WatchESPN

Radio: WCTC 1450 AM & WOR 710 AM - Jerry Recco & Joe Boylan

KenPom Rankings: Rutgers #115; Wisconsin #10

KenPom Prediction: Wisconsin 72 Rutgers 55 ; Rutgers is given a 7% chance to win.

Series History: Wisconsin leads 4-1 all-time, but they are 1-1 as Big Ten conference foes. Wisconsin won at home last season 79-57, while Rutgers upset the then #4 Badgers in 2015 at the RAC by the score of 67-62.

Game Preview

Here we go, Big Ten play is finally upon us. It starts with arguably the most difficult matchup of any Rutgers will face this season. Wisconsin is a very good team and they’re virtually unbeatable in recent years at home. By the way, I since corrected myself, but wanted to acknowledge my mistake of saying this is the lone meeting this season. Chalk it up to a holiday hangover, as I’ve been planning to go to the Garden for this rematch in January for a long time.

As for tonight, It will certainly be a tall task for Rutgers to win this game. Heck, in a season that is all about progress, it’s okay to be happy if the Sons of Pikiell make this a competitive game and keep it fairly close. I think how Rutgers responds after an emotionally draining loss to Seton Hall will be an interesting aspect to watch for tonight. If they come out ready to play and committed on the defensive end, that will be a very positive sign for the rest of the season outlook for this team. Physically, they are overmatched against Wisconsin, but if they can scratch and claw and continue to battle, they have a fighting chance.

Follow us on twitter here for live commentary and join us in the comments during the game as well. I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season. Watch this game responsibly, with a hopeful and realistic eye. Let’s go RU!!!