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The Wisconsin Badgers are already well-versed in how quickly their schedule can change during the 2020 season. After having their B1G/ACC Challenge matchup with Louisville postponed (canceled?) Rhode Island was brought to Madison for a game on short notice. Now? It’s all happening again.
UNI will not play its final 2 non-conference games vs. Wisconsin and Marshall. Ben Jacobson has decided to pause all activities due to injuries in program and current climate and send his players home to spend some time with their families. Next game is Dec. 27 vs. Missouri St.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) December 13, 2020
Northern Iowa called off their last two non-conference games, against Wisconsin and Marshall, due to “injuries in program and current climate.” While Jeff Goodman’s tweet doesn’t specifically mention COVID-19, it’s pretty easy to read between the lines.
Greg Gard has mentioned in a number of his press conferences this season that Wisconsin has a list of teams “within a bus ride” of Madison that they have an agreement with to play on short notice if both sides’ schedules line up. Turns out, that Loyola (Chicago) is one of those teams as the Ramblers are coming to Madison for a Tuesday night tip-off against Wisconsin.
SCHEDULE UPDATE
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) December 13, 2020
Wednesday's game vs. Northern Iowa has been called off, after UNI announced that it will not play its final two non-conference games
The Badgers will instead host Loyola on Tuesday. The game will tip at 7 PM (CT) on Big Ten Network. pic.twitter.com/RvxH9z8Szh
The Ramblers (3-0 overall, 0-0 MVC) haven’t really been tested yet this year but are rated as the No. 52 team in the nation by KenPom and have a deep, veteran squad that features Cameron Krutwig, a 6-foot-9 senior big man, who is the No. 7 player in the country according to Pomeroy’s player of the year standings.