Wisconsin vs. Rutgers Big Ten Showdown as Badgers Seek Momentum After Iowa Win

Badgers Look to Ride Offensive Surge in Big Ten Showdown

On Monday night, January 6, 2025, the Wisconsin Badgers (11-3, 1-2 Big Ten) will take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-6, 1-2 Big Ten) in a crucial Big Ten clash at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. This matchup marks the second meeting between the two teams this season. In their first contest, Wisconsin edged out Rutgers with a 3-point win at home. Now, with both teams coming off contrasting recent performances, the stage is set for an exciting rematch.

Wisconsin Badgers: A Hot Hand from Beyond the Arc

Wisconsin comes into this game with a noticeable offensive boost after their dominant 116-85 victory over Iowa. The Badgers made history by setting a school record with 21 three-pointers in the game, a performance that led to their first Big Ten win of the season. John Blackwell led the charge with a career-high 32 points, including six three-pointers. Kamari McGee also provided a spark off the bench, adding four three-pointers to the team’s impressive long-range shooting performance.

Despite the remarkable shooting display, the Badgers’ success doesn’t hinge solely on the three-point game. Blackwell, a 6’4″ sophomore, is second on the team in scoring with 15.4 points per game (PPG) and offers solid contributions in rebounds (4.8 RPG) and assists (2.4 APG). While Blackwell’s hot shooting against Iowa made headlines, he’s not just a one-dimensional player. His growth from last season as a bench contributor to a starting role has made a significant impact on Wisconsin’s offensive schemes.

Leading the team in scoring is 6’5″ senior John Tonje, who is averaging 18.6 PPG. Tonje, who transferred from Colorado State and briefly played at Missouri, has been a major acquisition for the Badgers. He had a stellar 33-point performance earlier in the season against Pitt. Alongside Tonje, 6’11” sophomore Nolan Winter provides the frontcourt presence with 11.6 PPG and 6.1 RPG.

As of now, Wisconsin is ranked 25th in KenPom’s overall rankings, with the 12th-best offensive efficiency and 76th-ranked defensive efficiency. Their balanced approach has allowed them to stay competitive, although their defensive play remains a work in progress.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Freshman Stars Lead the Way, But Depth Is a Concern

On the other side, Rutgers’ enters this game off a tough 84-74 loss to Indiana, a game where they were missing one of their key stars, Dylan Harper, due to illness. The absence of Harper, who has been an absolute standout this season, left Ace Bailey to carry the team on his own. Bailey put up an impressive 39 points and grabbed eight rebounds, but the Scarlet Knights fell short in the end. With no other player reaching double digits in scoring, it was clear that Rutgers’ success heavily relies on their freshman duo.

Harper, a 6’6″ guard, has been a key contributor for the Scarlet Knights, averaging 22.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 4.8 APG. His consistent scoring has been a major reason for Rutgers’ success this season, with Harper hitting 16 or more points in his last nine games. Bailey, a 6’10”, 220-pound forward, is not far behind with 19.9 PPG and 7.7 RPG. Known for his versatility, Bailey also excels from deep, with 19 made three-pointers on the season. The dynamic duo will need to stay healthy and continue their strong performances if Rutgers hopes to stay competitive in this matchup.

Rutgers’ depth, however, is a bit of a concern. After the top two freshmen, the scoring drops off significantly. Jeremiah Williams (7.8 PPG) and Lathan Sommerville (7.8 PPG) are the next two highest scorers for the Scarlet Knights. Without additional scoring support, Rutgers will find it challenging to keep pace with Wisconsin’s offense, especially if they can’t slow down the Badgers’ high-scoring attack.

Despite their struggles, Rutgers is ranked 76th overall in KenPom, with 72nd-ranked offensive efficiency and 98th in defensive efficiency. They also play at a faster pace (49th in tempo) than Wisconsin, which could lead to a more up-tempo game, where their freshman stars might thrive.

Conclusion

This Big Ten showdown is shaping up to be an exciting matchup between two teams with plenty of talent on display. Wisconsin is looking to build on their dominant win over Iowa, and they will rely on their balanced offense to continue their momentum. Meanwhile, Rutgers, led by freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, will hope to bounce back from a tough loss to Indiana. If Harper is healthy and playing, expect a competitive game, but Wisconsin’s depth and offensive versatility make them the favorites heading into this contest.

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