Big Ten Shake‑Ups: Wisconsin’s 3‑Point Surge and Michigan State’s Rough Patch

"Three days after pulling off a surprise win at Illinois, Wisconsin pushed its way up the NCAA tournament rankings by blasting Michigan State 92‑71. The Badgers’ victory showed how powerful their new fast‑pace style can be, especially from beyond the arc. They’ve hit 15 or more threes in five games this season, and two of their guards, Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, have combined for over fifty points in this win. That kind of scoring burst makes Wisconsin a nightmare for any high seed that has to face them in the second round. The loss dropped Michigan State from a projected No. 3 seed to a No. 4 in the CBS Sports Bracketology model. Even though they have 20 wins, the Spartans’ recent three‑game slump—losing three of their last four after a 19‑2 start—has raised doubts about whether they can regain a top seed. Tom Izzo’s team still has chances to finish strong, but the timing of their struggles could hurt them in the selection process. Wisconsin’s path to a higher seed hinges on how well they perform in the upcoming Saturday and Sunday games. They are currently ranked as the best No. 8 seed, but a few more wins could push them into the top tier. Their record against tough opponents is solid: they are 9‑7 in their first two quadrants and undefeated in the last two. Their Wins Above Bubble metric, which compares a team’s performance to an average bubble team on the same schedule, has risen to 25 after the Spartans game—an important signal for the committee.The Badgers’ strategy relies heavily on three‑point shooting, which is risky but has paid off recently. When they hit 15 or more threes, they win; when they fall short of ten, their record drops to 3‑5. The contrast shows how much the team’s success depends on that long‑range offense. Michigan State, meanwhile, has a history of early season bursts followed by mid‑season slowdowns. They ended last year’s regular season on a seven‑game winning streak, defeating six NCAA tournament teams before reaching the Elite Eight. If they can finish the season with a similar surge, they might reclaim a higher seed. For now, their current form suggests they’ll need to stabilize before the tournament. In short, Wisconsin’s aggressive three‑point play and strong guard scoring are positioning them for a higher seed, while Michigan State’s recent inconsistency could keep them from moving up. The upcoming games will decide whether the Badgers can climb further and if the Spartans can regroup before the national tournament. "