Badgers jump past all other Big Ten teams in latest AP Top 25 poll….
The Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team has ascended to the top spot among Big Ten teams in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll, climbing five positions to secure the No. 11 ranking. This surge follows a significant victory over the then-No. 7 Purdue Boilermakers, which not only improved Wisconsin’s standings but also positioned them ahead of other Big Ten contenders. Trailing the Badgers in the rankings are Michigan at No. 12, Purdue at No. 13, Michigan State at No. 14, and Maryland at No. 20.
Despite their elevated national ranking, the Badgers currently occupy fourth place in the Big Ten standings, just two games behind the conference leader. Their recent performance, highlighted by a four-game winning streak, has bolstered their prospects for clinching the Big Ten regular-season championship. A pivotal matchup awaits as Wisconsin is set to face Illinois, a team that has bested them in their last nine encounters.
A key contributor to Wisconsin’s success this season is guard John Tonje, who transferred from Missouri. Tonje is averaging 19.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, with standout performances including a career-high 41 points against Arizona. His consistent excellence has sparked discussions about his candidacy for Big Ten Player of the Year, especially as Wisconsin gains recognition as a formidable force within the conference.
