Badgers set to ground Phoenix in Madison

Dec 7, 2011 - 3:57 PM Madison, WI (Sports Network) - The 14th-ranked Badgers will look to end their two-game losing skid against an in-state rival as Wisconsin hosts the Green Bay Phoenix at the Kohl Center in non-conference action.

This will be the 18th meeting in series history. The Badgers have dominated the series, winning 16-of-17 so far in the rivalry. Wisconsin won the last meeting 70-56 on December 1th, 2010.

Green Bay is 4-4 after winning its first two Horizon League games over Illinois Chicago and Loyola-Illinois. The only power conference school the Phoenix have faced this season is Virginia, which resulted in a 68-42 loss. Coach Brian Wardle's team showed its abilities in a hard fought, one-point loss to Indiana State which will make the Badgers and every team the Phoenix face take them seriously. Green Bay is scoring 62.4 points per game on 39.8 percent shooting from the field. On the defensive end, opponents have been held to 61 points per game on 40.7 percent shooting from the floor.

Alec Brown will be the Phoenix's key to victory. The 7-1 sophomore has the size and talent to be a game changer. Brown is leading the team with 13.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Brown scored 14 points, pulled down eight rebounds, and swatted four shots in his last outing. Steve Baker makes it impossible to double-team Brown in the post with his pinpoint accuracy from beyond the arc. Baker is shooting 52.2 percent from three-point range and knocked down 3-of-4 from long range his last time out.

Wisconsin is one of the toughest teams in America to play. With a balanced offensive attack and a swarming defense, it takes a very talented and smart team to beat the Badgers. Bo Ryan's squad is on a two-game losing streak after tough battles with North Carolina and Marquette, but dominated in its first six games. The Badgers are scoring 68.6 points per game while scorching opponents from the outside with 10.1 treys per game. Wisconsin is leading the nation in points allowed with just 44.5 points per game.

All-American candidate Jordan Taylor is one of the best point guards in the nation. Taylor began the year as a facilitator for Wisconsin, but has looked to score more as of late. Taylor is averaging 16.0 ppg but has still protected his 3.4 assist-to-turnover ratio (41 assists with only 12 turnovers overall). Jared Berggren provides front court support with 12 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Berggren will have the job of shutting down Brown.