Surging Wisconsin out to extend dominance over Minnesota

Wisconsin will be looking to continue both its recent winning streak and its dominance against Minnesota in a Big Ten matchup on Friday night in Madison, Wis.The Badgers (12-3, 2-2 Big Ten) have won four consecutive games, including a 75-63 victory at Rutgers on Monday. Wisconsin also has won seven straight against Minnesota and 16 of the last 18 meetings.Minnesota (8-7, 0-4) lost at home to Ohio State 89-88 in double overtime on Monday, while hitting just 12 of 27 free-throw attempts.The Badgers are averaging 83.3 points per game, their most since 1970-71. Wisconsin also leads the nation in free-throw percentage at 85.5.”They’re getting back to really being able to shoot the basketball from five spots, which makes thing tough depending on who they have out their on the lineup,” Minnesota coach Ben Johnson said on his weekly radio show. “When you can spread a defense out with five guys that can all shoot it from 3, that puts your defense in a bind. And we know they’re always tough at home.”Wisconsin graduate transfer John Tonje averages a team-best 18.4 points. John Blackwell, who has scored a total of 53 points in the last two games, averages 15.8. Nolan Winter adds 11.2 points and team-leading 6.1 boards per game.Badgers forward Steven Crowl, who was inconsistent early, has come on during the four-game winning streak, averaging 16.3 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 74.3 percent. Guard Max Klesmit, who averages 10.5 points and leads in assists (3.0), left with an ankle injury midway through the second half against Rutgers and his status is uncertain.”He’s day-to-day right now. It continues to respond as we go through the next few days,” Gard said. “I think we have other guys. I don’t think roles are going to change.”

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