Big Ten Shake‑Ups: Wisconsin’s 3‑Point Surge and Michigan State’s Rough Patch

Wisconsin's Triumph Three days after a surprise win at Illinois, Wisconsin climbed the NCAA tournament rankings with a 92-71 blowout of Michigan State. Their fast-paced style, especially from beyond the arc, proved devastating. The Badgers have hit 15 or more threes in five games this season, with guards Nick Boyd and John Blackwell combining for over 50 points in this victory. This scoring burst makes Wisconsin a nightmare for any high seed in the second round.

Michigan State's Decline The loss dropped Michigan State from a projected No. 3 seed to a No. 4 in the CBS Sports Bracketology model. Despite 20 wins, their recent three-game slump—losing three of their last four after a 19-2 start—has raised doubts about regaining a top seed. Tom Izzo’s team still has chances to finish strong, but their struggles could hurt them in the selection process.

Wisconsin's Path to a Higher Seed Wisconsin's upcoming games on Saturday and Sunday will decide their path to a higher seed. Currently the best No. 8 seed, a few more wins could push them into the top tier. Their record against tough opponents is solid: 9-7 in their first two quadrants and undefeated in the last two. Their Wins Above Bubble metric has risen to 25 after the Spartans game, an important signal for the committee.

The Three-Point Strategy Wisconsin’s success relies heavily on three-point shooting. When they hit 15 or more threes, they win; when they fall short of ten, their record drops to 3-5. This contrast shows how much their success depends on long-range offense.

Michigan State's History Michigan State has a history of early season bursts followed by mid-season slowdowns. They ended last year’s regular season on a seven-game winning streak, defeating six NCAA tournament teams before reaching the Elite Eight. If they can finish the season with a similar surge, they might reclaim a higher seed. For now, their current form suggests they’ll need to stabilize before the tournament.

The Bottom Line Wisconsin’s aggressive three-point play and strong guard scoring are positioning them for a higher seed, while Michigan State’s recent inconsistency could keep them from moving up. The upcoming games will decide whether the Badgers can climb further and if the Spartans can regroup before the national tournament.