Badgers Set For Final Non-Conference Tune-Up

One of the more oft-mentioned mantras in sports is that each and every game is a unique challenge in itself, the old "one game at a time" philosophy. But as Wisconsin men's basketball sets to cap off their non-conference season today against Mississippi Valley State, one has to believe they have their eye on Nebraska.

After their 6-0 start was derailed by consecutive losses at the hands of Marquette and North Carolina, the 14th-ranked Badgers (10-2) have turned their season back on the right track with victories over UW-Green Bay, UNLV, UW-Milwaukee, and Savannah State heading into the final exam break. With just one final game between them and Tuesday night's conference opener in Lincoln, the Badgers know that this game has to be more than simply about winning.

But while preparation is on the minds of the Wisconsin players and coaching staff as they get set to face the Delta Devils (1-9), there is also a keen recognition of whatever validity remains in the "one game at a time" myth. After all, a sluggish performance Friday does the Badgers no good with Christmas followed up almost immediately by the first Big Ten road test of the season. 

One player who needs to get back on track is senior guard Jordan Taylor. While the preseason All-American has continued to play the point with unparalleled efficiency, the shot has simply been off most of the season for the Bloomington, Minn native. That said, Taylor's 0-for-10 performance in the December 10th victory over UNLV seemed to be the rock bottom and since then Taylor has rattled off games of 14 and 12 points. His presence on the offensive end, not simply as the facilitator, is something the Badgers will need as they head into Big Ten play.

Serving as the matinee for Friday night's women's game against UW-Green Bay, the Badgers will tip off at 4:30 at the Kohl Center, looking to finish off the non-conference season 11-2 for the 2nd straight season.