Wisconsin seeks Big Ten tourney top seed at Ohio State

Published 9:39 pm Saturday, March 7, 2015

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — There are so many goals left for the Wisconsin Badgers to attain even if they have already wrapped up the top seed in the Big Ten tournament.

A bigger prize awaits the sixth-ranked Badgers when the NCAA Tournament begins in less than two weeks.

Guard Josh Gasser knows a victory in the regular season finale at No. 23 Ohio State on Sunday would keep Wisconsin (27-3, 15-2) in the mix for a top seed in the NCAAs.

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“A big win road win at Ohio State against a really good team would be huge for our resume,” Gasser said.

“We still have a shot at a one seed, and I know seeding doesn’t really matter that much but you’d still like to be the highest you possibly can be, so why not try to win games?”

The Badgers are already off to the best start in program history. Another win will match their best-ever start in conference play.

It’s all about keeping momentum, associate head coach Greg Gard said.

“And you’re also still fighting for a seed line. Can we get to a one seed in the NCAA Tournament? These guys know, they see bracketology,” Gard said.

“It’s human nature to listen to that stuff. You control the controllables, and that’s Sunday playing the best we can against a really good team.”

On an afternoon, no less, that promises to be emotionally charged with the Buckeyes (22-8, 11-6) sending off their seniors.

It’s a showcase game, too, for freshman D’Angelo Russell. The high-scoring guard and Wisconsin big man Frank Kaminsky are on short lists for consideration for national player of the year awards.

Point guard Traevon Jackson was expected to miss his 14th straight game for Wisconsin because of a right foot injury. Coach Bo Ryan has indicated that the senior may also not be cleared to play in time for the Big Ten Tournament.

This is the only scheduled meeting this season between the two schools.