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Wisconsin puts unbeaten Big Ten record on line vs. Michigan

Jan 24, 2007 - 5:02 PM Michigan (16-4) at No. 3 Wisconsin (19-1) 9:00 pm EST

MADISON, Wisconsin (Ticker) -- Wisconsin is playing some of the best basketball in the country and it will try to keep it that way in an important Big Ten Conference matchup.

The third-ranked Badgers host surprising Michigan on Wednesday and will try to remain the lone unbeaten in the conference.

Wisconsin (19-1, 5-0 Big Ten) has started a season this hot only once before, when the 1915-16 squad ran off a 20-1 start to begin that campaign. The Badgers' 15-game win streak is tops in the country, and they can establish a new school record streak with a win over the Wolverines.

A candidate for national player of the year, senior forward Alando Tucker is Wisconsin's go-to guy, averaging 19.4 points and 5.1 rebounds.

The preseason Big Ten Player of the Year, Tucker has scored in double figures in 27 straight games and 42 of his last 43.

One of the surprise teams in the conference, Michigan will have to contain Tucker as well as find a way to play better on the road.

Three of Michigan's four losses have come on the road and they will be hard pressed to break through for a victory at the Kohl Center. Wisconsin has won 17 straight at home and is off to its first 5-0 start in the Big Ten since 1962.

If Michigan (16-4, 4-1) is to pull off the upset, it will be because of its defense.

The Wolverines have held 14 opponents to 60 or fewer points, and they are 14-0 in those games. Michigan is yielding an average of 57.3 points per game this season, which ranks 16th in the country.

Michigan leads the series, 86-57, while Wisconsin is 40-32 against the Wolverines in Madison.

The Badgers have won five straight at the Kohl Center in the series by an average of 20.8 points. This is the only meetig between the teams this season.