Former player Nick Boyd faces his mentor Dusty May as Wisconsin clashes with undefeated Michigan in a pivotal Big Ten showdown.
The Crisler Center is set for a "Blue Out" this afternoon as the undefeated, second-ranked Michigan Wolverines (14-0, 4-0 Big Ten) host the Wisconsin Badgers (10-5, 2-2 Big Ten). Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM EST, with national coverage on CBS.
For the Wolverines, this game represents a chance to extend one of the most dominant starts in program history. For the Badgers, it’s an opportunity to play spoiler and secure a signature road win that could redefine their season.
The Storylines: Dominance vs. Resilience
Michigan enters today’s contest following a narrow 74-72 escape against Penn State earlier this week. That victory was significant for two reasons: it preserved Michigan's perfect record and snapped a historic 10-game streak of winning by 18 points or more. Under second-year head coach Dusty May, the Wolverines have transformed into an offensive juggernaut, leading the Big Ten with an average of 20.8 assists per game.
Wisconsin, meanwhile, arrives in Ann Arbor with momentum of its own. The Badgers are coming off an impressive 80-72 victory over UCLA, led by a 20-point performance from Nick Boyd. Interestingly, Boyd is a transfer from FAU, where he played under Dusty May during their 2023 Final Four run. Today’s matchup marks a high-stakes reunion between the former player and coach.
1. The Battle of the Bigs
Michigan’s frontcourt length is its greatest weapon. Aday Mara (7ft-3) leads the conference with 2.6 blocks per game, making the paint a "no-fly zone." Wisconsin will counter with Nolan Winter, who has been a double-double threat lately and ranks fourth in the Big Ten in rebounding. If Winter can pull Mara away from the hoop with his perimeter shooting, it could open lanes for Badger guards.
2. The Point Guard Chess Match
Michigan’s Elliot Cadeau has been the maestro of the offense, averaging 5.4 assists. His ability to navigate Wisconsin’s disciplined "Swing" offense and high-pressure defense will be critical. On the other side, Nick Boyd is the engine for Wisconsin; he is currently the Big Ten’s fourth-leading scorer and a relentless attacker inside the paint.
Historical Context
Michigan has dominated this rivalry recently, winning the last four meetings, including a 59-53 victory in the 2025 Big Ten Tournament Championship. However, Greg Gard’s Wisconsin teams are historically known for their grit in Ann Arbor. While the Wolverines are heavy 18.5-point favorites, the Badgers have shown they can grind out possessions and shorten the game—exactly what is needed to upset a high-scoring team like Michigan.
What’s at Stake?
• For Michigan: A win keeps them on the heels of the No. 1 ranking and maintains their cushion at the top of the Big Ten standings before a tough road trip to the Pacific Northwest (Washington and Oregon).
• For Wisconsin: A victory would be their first in Ann Arbor since 2020 and would catapult them into the upper echelon of the conference race.
Prediction: Michigan’s depth and home-court energy should be the difference. While Wisconsin’s defense will likely keep it closer than the 18.5-point spread suggests, expect the Wolverines to pull away in the final ten minutes behind their transition offense.