The Cold Center

The Badgers have won 16 straight games at their home digs, but venue doesn't seem to be huge factor for this veteran team. Their 15-game win streak ties a program record established in 1940-1941, and Michigan has a streak of their own in Madison. They have not won there in 13 tries. This predates my tenure at the UW, as the Wolvernines last triumphed when the complete Fab Five still reigned. (1993)

The Chicago Tribune continued with their favorable coverage of the Badgers, and looked at the entire BT in comprehensive fashion, determining teams on the rise (UW, OSU, Michigan, Indiana, and MSU), and teams on the decline (Iowa, Illinois, Purdue, PSU, Minnesota, and NW).

Things are so bad for the Illini that they must finish 7-3 just to make the dance. With both Randle and Pruitt tentatively out for an undetermined amount of time, the NIT is the more likely option. Turns out they can't host a game in the Not Invited Tournament given its new affiliation with the NCAA. That's not a rain dance they're doing in Champaign. It's the Chief's tears.