The Collapse is Complete

Last weekend the Badgers snapped a seven game winless streak against Colorado College. A match-up against those same Tigers would determine whether the Badgers could salvage a trip the NCAA tournament.

The likelihood of that trip to the tournament most likely was dashed in the series finale between Wisconsin and Colorado College in the WCHA tournament.

Friday night the Badgers opened with a strong win in Colorado Springs, Col. with a 3-1 victory. Not to mention getting goals from some unusual sources in the victory.

After trailing the Tigers by one in the second period the Badgers answered with a goal by Joe Faust. His first goal as a Badgers, and one that couldn't have come at a better time.

Wisconsin would tack on two more goals by Ryan Little, and Jefferson Dahl in the third period to ice the opening victory. Meaning that the Badgers just needed to win one of the last two to advance to the WCHA Final Five.

Saturday night was by no means a "pitchers dual" with both teams making big strides on the offensive side of the ice.

The Badgers would jump out to an early lead by two goals by Craig Smith and Podge Turnbull in the first period. Taking a 2-0 lead into the first intermission, but the Tigers would not go quietly.

In the second period the only player that would light the lamp would be Jaden Schwartz. Cutting the Badger lead to just one heading into the third and final stanza of the evening.

Throughout the season, and pretty much the entire Mike Eaves tenure, the Badgers have been almost perfect when leading after two periods. Saturday night would not be one of those stories though.

With another goal by Colorado College the Badgers would find themselves back in a tie with the Tigers. Until Sean Dolan would find the back of the net giving the Badgers the lead again at 3-2. Until the Tigers would answer with another goal sending the game back to overtime with the series on the line.

In overtime the Badgers would give the Tigers a powerplay on a tripping call, and Colorado College would take advantage. With another goal by Schwartz the Tigers would take the second game with a 4-3 comeback victory in overtime.

Sunday night would be much of the same for the Badgers in the rubber match. Taking a 1-0 lead after a second period goal by Craig Smith. Giving the Badgers that all important lead again heading into the third and final period.

In the final stanza the Tigers would capitalize on two penalties on the Badgers to cash in on two late goals by Nick Dineen and Stepehen Schultz. Giving the Tigers a 2-1 victory in the final game of the series, and sending the Badgers packing.

Not to mention all but eliminating the Badgers from NCAA tournament consideration. A decision on the big tournament will not come until next week. Meaning a long week of waiting for a Badger hockey team that over achieved most of the season.

Lady Badgers Heading Back to the Frozen Four

That's right the Badger women's hockey team is back, but after an early deficit it may have looked as if they would be done.

Saturday night against Minnesota-Duluth the Lady Badgers found themselves in a 1-0 hole heading into the first break. After a goal late in the first period by Jessica Wong with just seconds left on the clock.

Just three minutes into the second period the Lady Badgers would erase that lead for good with a goal by junior Hilary Knight on a power play. A penalty that only lasted a whopping eight seconds.

The game would remain tied heading into the second and final intermission, and the Lady Badgers would once again strike in the third period.

This time with a goal by Meghan Duggan of an assist by Knight to give the Badgers a 2-1 lead mid-way through the final stanza. The goal would also be the eventual game winner, and Duggan's sixth game winning goal of the season.

The 2-1 victory would cement the Lady Badgers fifth trip to the Frozen Four, and their first since 2009. Now the Badgers will meet Boston College in the next step towards their fourth national title on Friday afternoon at 4 P.M.

Bruesewitz Questionable for Tournament

The loss to Penn State not only hurt the Badgers seeding, but also hurt the knee of a key role player for the Badgers...forward Mike Bruesewitz.

From time to time this year Bruesewitz has come up with some big shots in key moments. As well as made some tough hustle plays that have been key to Wisconsin's victories this season. Now the Badgers may be with out the hustle player they need for the tournament.

Bruesewitz left the game with Penn State after spraining his knee, but was walking around the sidelines for the remainder of the game after going to the locker room.

The official word on Bruesewitz's knee has not been released, but for right now his status for the tournament is up in the air. A decision could come later in the week after sophomore forward has time to work out the injury. Making Bruesewitz a day-to-day decision at this point...

Now That's Embarrassing....

Thursday night's match-up in the second round of the Big Ten tournament between Penn State and Wisconsin made history for the tournament, and the NCAA...but not in a good way.

The final score of 36-33 set a new record for lowest combined total for any team in conference tournament history. Penn State's 36 points was also the lowest winning score by any team in the NCAA this year, and ever in a conference tournament.

To say that the game was hard to watch may have been an understatement. Especially with the Badgers shooting only 29% from the field and 9% from behind the arch.

Penn State was not exactly the pretty girl at the prom on Thursday night either. Shooting only 33% from the field, but hitting 25% from behind the arch. Including a big three pointer by Taylor Battle late in the second half.

The Badgers main problem was the start of the game. Being shut out for the first eight minutes, and only putting up two points in the first ten minutes.

At one time the Badgers trailed the Nittany Lions by 16, and that mark would be too much for the Badgers to finally overcome. Even after cutting the lead down to just four before halftime, and down to two in the second half.

Wisconsin would struggle shooting from almost anywhere on the floor, and worst off all late in the second half. With air-balls, and bricks coming from all directions, and not from just one player.

With the whole team struggling from the field Jordan Taylor led all scorers with a below average 16 points, but that would not be enough to help the Badgers. Especially with only four points coming from someone not named Nankivil, Leuer, and Taylor.

The end result would be an embarrassing loss in the second round of the Big Ten tournament to Penn State. Not to mention a long wait for the NCAA tournament.

Taylor Now A Finalist

A few weeks ago there was some outrage amongst Badger fans regarding Jordan Taylor being left of the list of the Bob Cousy Award semi-finalists. Now Taylor is more than a semi-finalist...he's among the five to make the final cut.

The original list of ten when it was released in January left Jordan Taylor off, but just a short time later Taylor was added to the list as number eleven. Especially after his role in the comeback victory against number one Ohio State at the Kohl Center.

After becoming the plus one on the list Taylor continued his strong play. Most notably with a career high 39 points against Indiana. Not to mention retaining one of the best turnover to assist ratios in the country.

Now Taylor is one the list of five finalists that includes Jimmer Fredette (BYU), Norris Cole (Cleveleand State), Nolan Smith (Duke), and Kemba Walker (UConn).

The award is given every year to the top point guard in the country, and the award will be given out to the final winner on April 1st.

Big Ten: In and Out

With the conference tournament right around the corner that can only mean one thing....March Madness is here. Now it is also time to see who will make it out of the Big Ten and head to the big dance. Or who will be hosting a home game in a couple weeks...in the NIT.

Duh! They're In

Ohio State

The Buckeyes are obviously in, and should be a number one seed. If not the overall number one seed in the tournament. With the Buckeyes having perhaps one of the best well-rounded teams in the tournament they should be the early favorite to win it all. So as much as it may pain Badger fans...you may want to take them all the way in your bracket.

Purdue

The train makers are steaming they're way to the big dance without question. The loss in the regular season finale may hurt their seed a little bit, but it won't hurt that much. Not to mention a win in the Big Ten tournament could restore any of that damage, and may push the Boilermakers up to the number one line.

Wisconsin

Bucky is having a relatively surprising season. Not that people didn't expect to see the Badgers in the big dance, but their seed may be the surprise. A win in the Big Ten tournament may bolt Bucky to the number two line, but regardless of what happens in the conference tournament the Badgers are in. The only question is where will they be seeded.

Still Dancing...But Not By Much...

Illinois

The Fighting Illini have been skating around on the bubble for what seems like forever, but unlike last year they should be in. Their strength of schedule is what should help them get in regardless of the lack of quality road wins. Give the Illini the benefit of the doubt to get in probably on the six seed line, but maybe an eight. A couple wins in the Big Ten tournament could help with that though...

Michigan

The Wolverines may be the surprise of the second half of the Big Ten season. After starting 1-6 in the conference the men from Michigan have quietly snuck into the big dance, and the win over Michigan State last weekend may have put them in. With the Wolverines taking on Illinois on Friday in the tournament they will have the chance to solidify their spot in the tournament, and perhaps improve their seeding. Count on Michigan making the tournament, but they remain the last of the Big Ten teams almost guaranteed to make the dance.

Bubble Bursting?

Michigan State

It seems like the Spartans have been sitting on the bubble for most of the season. With a strong strength of schedule Michigan State may save themselves despite lacking quality wins. But a loss to Iowa may doom the Spartans for good. If they win against Iowa you can assume they are in, but two wins in the conference tournament would cement their bid. Still sitting firmly on the bubble put the Spartans in right now, but nothing is guaranteed.

Win or You're Out

Northwestern

Perhaps the most disappointing team this season, at least in the historical context, has been the Wildcats. After losing Kevin Coble to "retirement" the Wildcats looked to lose a step, but they did play last season without him. Now after an average season the Wildcats have only one option in terms of making the tournament...run the table. A conference tournament win would lock up the spot in the tournament with the automatic win.

Minnesota

Northwestern may be the most disappointing....if it wasn't for the Gophers. At the beginning of the season Minnesota was not just an NCAA tournament team, but an outside pick to win the conference. Now the Spartans are backing their way out of the season. Perhaps even out of the NIT...It's either win or go home for the Gophers, and their is no doubt about that.

It's Complicated

Penn State

The Nitany Lions have been relatively surprising this year with wins over Michigan State, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Now Penn State pretty much needs to win the conference tournament to get in because of their week schedule, and bad losses. On the other hand they could at least make a run to the championship game, and still have a shot at making the tournament, but don't count on it.

Maybe Next Year...

Indiana

The Hoosiers have improved all season, and may be a threat next year to make the tournament. Even turn some heads in the conference next season as well, but all they have left is the tournament. With the only way the Hoosiers can make the tournament being to run the table they still have a shot, but it is a long shot. One that even Vegas wouldn't put odds on...

Iowa

Just like Indiana the Hawkeyes have improved all season, and could be a threat next season. With a little bit of talent, and some good coaching the Hawkeyes are continuing to be a threat to make an upset, but it would requite and upset run to the title to make the dance. But they could still be a spoiler playing Michigan State. Who they already upset this season by twenty points at home.

Defensive Coordinator Questions Answered

With Dave Doeren taking the head coaching job at Northern Illinois a gaping hole remained after the 2010 season for the Wisconsin football team. At least in terms of the coaching staff. Now the question in terms of who will be calling the plays has been answered.

After Doeren left there was some rumors in the public that head coach Bret Bielema would return to calling to calling the defensive plays, but now we know it will be Chris Ash.

The promotion moves the secondary coach to the defensive coordinator position, but he will not be alone in that position.

While Ash will be the primary caller of the defensive plays he will have a co-defensive coordinator in Charlie Partridge. Who will help with the defensive plays, but will also serve as an assistant head coach.

The new system is similar to that in which Bielema worked under while he was at Kansas State. Serving as the assistant head coach, and co-defensive coordinator. A big reason that Bielema landed at Wisconsin as defensive coordinator, and then as head coach.

Tressel Gets Two (Players Got Five)

The punishment for Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel came down on Tuesday night, but not a punishment as severe as his players received.

In late December five Ohio State players were suspended for five games next season for accepting improper benefits in the sale of merchandise and awards. Now their head coach is only getting two games for neglecting to report the violation when he learned about it in April 2010.

With possible NCAA sanctions still waiting for the Ohio State Buckeyes the university elected to suspend Tressel for two games in a self-imposed punishment.

Now it will be up to the NCAA if they want to add any more time or more punishments to the university or coach Tressel. But a final ruling will most likely take time to come out with the recent pattern of decisions the NCAA is able to reach.

The court of public opinion on the other hand is not taking as long as the NCAA though.

With Tressel's players receiving five games, and the coach that was at the head of the program only receiving a two game suspension many in the public are not happy. Many have called the punishment weak, and unfair.

Regardless of the punishments already levied against Tressel and the Ohio State football program the NCAA will be the final judge, jury, and executioner. A process that will take most likely months; if not until after next season.

Video of the Week: It Must Be March...

March Madness is a lot of people's time of year. Yes, perhaps even more than Christmas or any other holiday, and with a lot of people looking to call in sick for the start of the tournament we thought we'd help.

Every year you hear those new excuses to miss work at the begginning of March Madness. Like putting something under your nose on Wednesday so you can call in sick on Thursday. Now we will give you the tools to miss work the true March-Madness way...with the flop.

That's right for this week's video of the week you will learn how to use the great basketball technique of the flop in almost any situation!

Tressel in Trouble?

Sunday's win for the Ohio State basketball no doubt was a great day for the Ohio State athletic program. Since then their has been a black cloud hanging over Columbus, Ohio. With new allegations being reported against the Buckeyes, and perhaps more importantly the football program.

Earlier this year five football players, including star quarterback Terell Pryor, were suspended for receiving improper benefits. Including receiving free or discounted tattoos, and selling merchandise for profit. Including Pryor selling his "Golden Pants," the award given to the best player in the Michigan - Ohio State game, as well as championship rings.

Now Yahoo Sports is reporting that Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel knew about the improper benefits. Not just the day before the violations became public, but months in advance. Possibly putting the entire program in jeopardy.

Tuesday night university officials will be having a press conference regarding the new allegations, and Tressel's job may hang in the balance.

Under Tressel's contract the university would have the option of terminating the head coach because of a clause that protects them against unethical conduct. Such as not reporting athletes receiving improper benefits to the university or to the NCAA Compliance Board.

The NCAA has not come out with any additional sanctions against Ohio State, and their is no clear resolution to the issue at Ohio State. But with out a doubt there have been better days for the Ohio State athletic program, and darker days may be on the horizon for the football team.

Leuer and Taylor Recieve Conference Honors

The 2010-2011 "sports year" has been a historic one for the Wisconsin athletic program. Now the Basketball team has made more history with thier two star players making the All-Conference first team.

Jordan Taylor has been one of the biggest surprises in the conference this season. Leading the Badgers to a comeback victory against number one Ohio State in the Kohl Center. Topping his career high on numerous occasions, and sitting on top of the list in turnover/assist ratio this season.

The other Badger to gain All-Conference first team honors was not a surprise this season. Coming into the 2010-2011 season Jon Leuer was expected to be one of the best in the conference, and despite the year Jordan Taylor has put together Leuer continues to be the rock in Wisconsin's line up.

Quietly the senior forward has averaged just under twenty points a game this season, At the same time ripping down over seven rebounds a game. Making Leuer the dominant post player to compliment Taylor. Not to mention a shooting threat from the perimeter that has affected every defense in the Big Ten.

Regardless of their personal statistics, and roles on the team; the Badgers this season have featured a dominant duo that rivals any in the country. Now they sit among the elite in the conference, and for the first time in school history sit on top together.

Still More Hockey at the Kohl Center

Men's hockey may be finished at the Kohl Center this season, but the women still have one more show left on the ice. This time in the NCAA tournament.

With the bids coming out on Sunday night for the NCAA tournament there was not much worry for the Lady Badgers. They knew they were in before beating the Gophers in the WCHA championship, and the win over the Gophers made a tournament bid completely certain.

When the bids officially came out the Badgers knew they would be the number one seed. Not to mention a quarterfinal match-up on their home ice. Taking on Minnesota-Duluth on Saturday at 7 P.M.

So far this season the Lady Badgers are 3-0-1 against the Bulldogs. Including an overtime victory as well as a tie on the road in Duluth, Minn.

A win for the Badgers would send them back to the Ladies Frozen Four to take on the winner of the Minnesota/Boston College match-up.

Two Out of Three 'Aint Bad

Sunday marked a chance at history for the Wisconsin men's basketball team, and the athletic department as a whole. The opportunity to defeat a number one ranked team three times in a year. Something that was not meant to be after the Buckeyes shot the Badgers out of the gym.

The overall statistic that summed up the season finale for the Badgers was the three point shooting of the Buckeyes. With Ohio State hitting on 14 of 15 three pointers for 93% from behind the arch.

Perhaps the even more amazing than missing only one three pointer for the Buckeyes was the fact that it was the first three pointer. Missed by Buckeye senior John Diebler who felt sorry about missing the only three pointer for the Buckeyes.

"I apologize for missing that one," said Diebler in the post-game press conference. Then followed with a laugh by the press corp.

Diebler may have missed that one three pointer, but the senior cashed in on his fair share against the Badgers. Hitting seven of those 14 three pointers as he notched a game high 27 points for the Buckeyes.

Notably missing for the Badgers on Sunday was the point leader in recent weeks Jordan Taylor. With only six points in the first half there was still optimism for the Badgers with Taylor matching his point total from the first half in the February meeting.

Unfortunately for the Badgers, Taylor would not tally 21 points in the second half. With only two points in the second half Taylor was relatively silent in the season finale against the Buckeyes.

With the Buckeyes high shooting percentages, and poor performances from the Badger stars Ohio State ended their season with a route of the Badgers. Getting the revenge game in Columbus, Ohio with a huge 93-65 victory.

Don't Call It a Comeback! (Ok...Call It a Comeback...)

"Don't call it a comeback!" were the words of L.L. Cool J. On Saturday night the women's made an "expected" comeback in the WCHA Championship despite being down 3-0 in the second period to Minnesota.

On the line was an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament for the two teams, but Wisconsin would more than likely already be in. But a win would also lock up an undisputed WCHA Championship for the Badgers after already winning the regular season crown.

Minnesota came out fast against the Badgers on Saturday night by scoring two goals from Sarah Erickson. Giving the Gophers a dominating lead to start the game, and a 2-0 deficit for the Badgers heading into the first intermission.

Coming out of the first break things did not improve right away for the Badgers. With the Gophers striking again with a goal by Sarah Davis. Stretching the lead out to 3-0 midway thru the game.

Later in the second the Badgers would start their comeback against the Gophers. First with a goal by Brianna Decker, and then senior forward Meghan Duggan struck for the Badgers second. Cutting the Gopher lead to just 3-2 with minutes to play in the second period.

That's when the Gophers struck again. This time with a goal by Jen Schoullis to knock the lead back up to two with just two minutes left in the period. A lead that the Gophers would hold heading into the third and final period.

In that last stanza the Badgers would make their comeback complete. First with a goal by freshman Madison Packer (who has the best name of any Badger of all time), and then followed by another goal by Duggan to tie the game up at four. Resulting in overtime to decide the WCHA Championship.

After fourteen minutes of over time the Badgers finally put the Gophers away after a goal by senior Kelly Hash. Making the Badger comeback complete, and locking up the WCHA crown yet again with the 5-4 overtime-comeback-victory.

Seniors Exit On Top

The past few weeks have been rough for the Wisconsin men's hockey team to say the least. Coming off of a seven game winless streak the only thing that was left to play for on Saturday night against Colorado College would be a win for the seniors.

Friday nights loss assured that Saturday night would be the last time the group of six seniors would step on the ice at the Kohl Center. At the end of the night they would step off the ice winners....a welcomed change after the past three weeks.

The first period was an exact replica of the night before with neither team finding the back of the net, but the second period would prove to be the best Wisconsin had played in weeks.

One of the areas that the Badgers had struggled during their seven game slide was on the power play. At one time the Badgers were one of the best power plays in the country, but on Friday night it would be the power play kill that would strike.

On a Colorado College power play Craig Smith took the puck to the offensive zone, and then found the back of the net. After the puck snuck under Colorado College goaltender Josh Thorimbert. Resulting in the Badgers first goal, and lead of the game at 1-0. A lead that would hold up heading into the third and final period.

Especially after another goal by the Badgers, but this time by senior Patrick Johnson. A senior who is more well known for being the son of Wisconsin legend, and current women's coach, Mark Johnson. The result would be Johnson's last goal at the Kohl Center, and the second of the game for the Badgers in the second period.

So far this season a lead by the Badgers heading into the third period was as good as gold. With the Badgers going unbeaten when leading at the second intermission. A trend that would hold up yet again on senior night.

Another Badger that had a solid senior night was goaltender Scott Gudmandson who up until the third period was holding a shutout. That is until some bad luck struck the Badgers when a "shot" by Colorado College's Archie Skallbeck found the back of the net after a pass found the skate of a Wisconsin defensman. Resulting in the end of Gudmandson's senior night shutout, but Gudmandson would find a new way to make personal history.

In four years as a Badger Gudmandson had never earned a point. Which means he has never had a goal (obviously) or an assist. That is until the third period on Saturday night.

On a Wisconsin power play Justin Schultz score the third goal of the game for the Badgers, but Gudmandson received credit for an assist on the play. Resulting in Gudmandson's first point as a Badger...in his last home game in Cardinal and White.

The third and final goal would prove to be the nail in the coffin for the Tigers, and the Badgers would send off the seniors with one last win. Not to mention snapping the seven game winless streak with the 3-1 victory over Colorado College.

Hawkeyes Shock Purdue

The Big Ten conference title chase is officially over after the Boilermakers fall in Iowa City, Iowa.

Coming into the weekend the match-up between the Badgers and Buckeyes was expected to decide the conference title. With a win by Purdue at Iowa the Boilermakers would be positioned to win the conference if the Badgers could upset the Buckeyes. Now that scenario is done after the Boilermakers get derailed by Iowa.

In a somewhat sloppy game the Hawkeyes were able to stay even with Purdue at halftime, but in the second half Iowa took advantage of poor shooting by Purdue...especially from distance.

In the second half the Boilermakers looked to take more shots from behind the arch, but were unable to capitalize on the opportunities. Shooting only 20% from three point land for the game, and just 36% from the field.

Another key to the Iowa victory was rebounding. The Hawkeyes capitalized on countless second chance opportunities off of 12 rebounds, and limiting Purdue's second chance opportunities by out-rebounding the Boilermakers by 15.

Add up those two factors and you come up with a huge 65-67 loss for Purdue.

Now the impact of the Boilermakers shocking loss to Iowa is running deep in college basketball. With Purdue falling off in the final weekend the Ohio State Buckeyes have locked up the Big Ten crown. Not to mention the loss may knock the Boilermakers completely out of consideration for a number one seed.

And the Skid Continues...

Over the past few weeks the Wisconsin men's hockey team has been stuck in a tail spin. Something that did not stop on Friday night against Colorado College.

In the regular season's last series the Badgers welcomed Colorado College to the Kohl Center in a series that would have a big impact on the WCHA playoff picture. A sweep of Colorado College by the Badgers would mean that the Tigers would be making a return trip to Madison. Unless Minnesota faltered and the Badgers caught them as well.

After Friday night all of that would be meaningless, and the Badgers will be making the trip to Colorado Springs next weekend.

In the first period the Badgers came out with a great deal of energy and excitement, but were unable to find the back of the net. On the other side the Tigers were able to score as well taking a 0-0 tie into the first intermission.

Early in the second period the Tigers would strike first on a power play goal by Gabe Guentzel, but not without some controversy. During the goal Wisconsin goaltender Brett Bennett was screened from being able to make a save, and the result was the game's first goal.

Just a couple minutes later the Badgers would answer the Tigers with a goal of their own. This time by Jake Gardiner off of an assist by Derek Lee. Tieing the game up at one heading into the third and final period.

The Badgers would tack on another goal in quick fashion in the third period. Taking only 34 seconds to score with a goal by Patrick Johnson. Giving the Badgers the lead for the first time in the game at 2-1.

That lead would hold all the way until late in the period when with just over five minutes left Colorado College would knot the game at two. The goal by Stephen Schultz would tie the game, but a late mistake by a young Badger would prove to be the nail in the coffin.

Just minutes later John Ramage would be hit with a five minute major. Sticking the sophomore in the box for the remainder of the game, and allowing Colorado College and opportunity to strike for the win.

On a 2-on-1 Colorado College's David Civitarese would find the back of the net to give the Tigers the lead 3-2. With Ramage still in the box for the remainder of the game that final goal would be enough to end the Badgers hope of ending their six game winless streak.

Which is now a seven game winless streak after the 3-2 loss on Friday night.

The End is Here

Coming into the conference tournament the Lady Badgers were limping off their worst loss of the season at the hands of Ohio State. On Thursday night against the 11 seeded Illini the Badgers struggled out of the gate, and were unable to recover.

To open up the game the Illini went on a 10-0 run. A scoring output the Badgers would never be able to overcome in the opening game of the Big Ten tournament.

Illinois would stretch that 10-0 lead into a 23-8 lead in the first half, and lead by 12 at the break. In the second half the Badgers would make a comeback though, but it would not be enough.

Even with 23 points by senior guard Alyssa Karel, and Lin Zastrow scoring 18 for here 1,000th point in her career, the Badgers would not find enough offense to overcome the Illini. Losing in the opening game of the conference tournament 63-56. Not to mention possibly ending all hope of the Lady Badgers making a return trip to the NCAA tournament this season.

But only time will tell with that one....

A Career Night for Taylor

Indiana has been a house of horrors for the Wisconsin men's basketball team over the years. On Thursday night Wisconsin guard Jordan Taylor made Assembly Hall in Bloomington into his house.

At halftime the Badgers only led the Hoosiers by four in what was a game that could be called closer than expected. In the second half Taylor decided to take over, and turn Thursday match-up into his own personal showcase.

At about mid-way thru the second half Taylor went on a tear hitting four straight three pointers. Even making his teammate John Leuer stand and applaud.

Leuer was clapping because he was sitting on the bench with foul trouble for most of the game. Requiring Taylor to take over the game to guarantee a Badger victory. A 39 career high point total would help with that.

In total when everything was said and done Taylor had scored more than half of the Badgers points, and propelled Wisconsin to a victory over the Hoosiers 77-67.

Tokoto Picks Tar Heels

The recruiting news for the Badgers turned out to be bad news on Thursday night when they learned that Jean-Pierre (J.P) Tokoto picked North Carolina over Wisconsin.

At the announcement of his commitment on Thursday Tokoto said that the Badgers were his second choice, and he was interested in staying close to home. But he was impressed with North Carolina from the start, and saw the move as a new "adventure."

This season the junior forward is averaging over 20 points a game, and ten rebounds for Menominee Falls. Making Tokoto one of the top recruits in the country according to many recruiting sites, and scouts.

Tokoto also turned down Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Marquette, and Maryland after choosing to become a Tar Heel.

My Take: A Trap Game in Bloomington

Some people in Madison are already talking about Sunday's match-up with number one Ohio State, but hopefully the men's basketball team isn't. Especially after what Indiana has done at home, and almost did at the Kohl Center.

Statistically the Hoosiers are a much better team at home. Shooting a higher percentage, and averaging a higher point total. Two things that equal victory in basketball, and two things the Badgers don't do well on the road.

So far this season the way the Badgers play have been on two separate planets when it comes to home and away. On the road, at times, the Badgers have seemed to struggle. Shooting a lower percentage, and struggling to find points. Especially when it matters most (e.i. the Michigan State game).

Now the Badgers have to go on the road an play a team that at times has looked like a team on the rise. While not in the record specifically, but in their overall play. Not to mention a team that gave Wisconsin a run for their money at the Kohl Center.

The final reason this could be a trap game for the Badgers is obviously looking past the Hoosiers. Who have been a doormat in the Big Ten for the past three years.

Any Badger fan knows that Bo Ryan most likely will not let his players start thinking about the Buckeyes, but human nature says that they could. For the sake of all Badger fans, and this basketball team, we should hope that they don't. Or Thursday nights game at Indiana could be one of those let downs that Badger fans have become known for expecting...

Video of the Week: Slow Jam the News

Usually here at Boynton's Badgers we try to avoid the political debate....that is unless we can make of it.

Unless you've been living under a rock in Illinois you may not know about the protests going in the Wisconsin state capitol. Regardless of the issues the protests continue even after two weeks. With the 14 democratic senators somewhere in Illinois, and Governor Walker refusing to budge.

Now the state of Wisconsin is becoming the butt of some late night jokes, but some of them are funny. This would be one of those examples...in remix form.

For this week's video of the week we present to you...slow jam'in the news.

TCU Under Fire

2011 started in a way that many Badger fans would have wished it had not. A loss in the Rose Bowl to TCU, but now it looks like 2011 may be a long year for the Horned Frogs.

Just a few weeks after the biggest win in school history the Horned Frogs are now in a legal battle over fraud allegations. As well as a possible black eye for an athletic program that was beginning to look like one of the big up-and-comers in college football.

In the discovery portion of the lawsuit it was released in public documents that two former players were reportedly accused of sexual assault in 2006. Following the allegation the plaintiff in the case spoke with the athletic department, but reportedly was brushed off.

Along with the sexual assault allegations in the lawsuit, the two players involved were also accused of receiving preferential treatment during their time at TCU.

Football player Lorenzo Jones was reportedly not removed from an English class during his time at TCU after his teacher referred to him as "dangerous." As well as not being disciplined by TCU for other misconduct charges while at TCU.

Basketball player Virgil Taylor, the other athlete to be charged with sexual assault, was supposedly accepted into TCU despite being ranked 300th in a class of 377 coming out of high school. Taylor was also cited with misconduct charges during his time at TCU.

The rape charges were ultimately the final straw at TCU for the two athletes after they were expelled in 2006. Even though the charges were later dropped by the district attorney's office.

May 6th is the date that has been scheduled for the lawsuit to be heard in court, and their is no word of the NCAA looking into any violations by the university.

A Shot at History: Buckeyes Ranked No. 1.....Again.

Just a few weeks ago the Wisconsin Badgers joined the Florida Gators in NCAA history for beating the number one team in football, and basketball in the same year. Now the Badgers have a chance to do what no one has done before....defeat number one three times.

With Ohio State moving back to number one in both the coaches and AP poll this week the Badgers will get their shot against number one on Sunday. The only problem this time is that the game will not be in Madison, but in Columbus...

Just like the Badgers, the Buckeyes are undefeated at home this season despite holding on in some close contests. Meaning that winning at Ohio State will not be an easy task for the Badgers who have struggled on the road this sesason. With all of their losses obviously coming away from the Kohl Center.

Never the less Sunday's game against Ohio State may now be the biggest game in Wisconsin basketball history. As the Badgers look to upset number one again, but this time on their own floor.