Badger Bits: Wisconsin basketball gets a breath of fresh air

Wisconsin's win on Sunday may say more about an Illinois squad that has lost six of its last seven games since the beginning of January. Both teams have 15 wins on the season, but only one is now worrying about its NCAA tournament life. Still, Wisconsin got everything it needed out of the road win, and nothing is more valuable than a strong shot of confidence heading into the back half of the Big Ten slate.

Wisconsin still shot just 42.9 percent from the field, mind you. It appears the Badgers aren't entirely out of their shooting slump. That said, renewed aggressiveness at the rim could pick their numbers back up over the coming games. Wisconsin made its way to the free throw line 42 times Sunday after averaging just 13 attempts per game heading into the weekend.

Next up: a home game against Iowa on Wednesday. In their first meeting, the Badgers made their way to the line just 12 times, compared to 29 times for the Hawkeyes. In a four-point win, Iowa outscored Wisconsin by 16 points from the charity stripe alone. Here's hoping that after a breath of fresh air, UW can carry over its newfound aggression and score some revenge.

LINKS:

Recaps! Jeff Potrykus takes a last look at the game, with a spotlight on Frank Kaminsky. The Champaign Room is upset. Jim Polzin highlights the aggressiveness thing.

Barry Alvarez is taking a hard stance to get Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska on the schedule every year. The Big Ten owes Wisconsin.

The Big Ten blog shines a light on Wisconsin's WR and DB woes next season.

Wrapping up: Michigan catfished itself.