Preview: Minnesota Golden Gophers at No. -- Wisconsin Badgers

MADISON, Wis. (Interstat) — The Wisconsin Badgers look to solidify their standing in the Big Ten race and complete a regular-season sweep when they host the struggling Minnesota Golden Gophers on Wednesday night at Kohl Center.

Wisconsin (14-6 overall, 5-3 Big Ten) enters having won five of its last seven, though coming off a narrow 73-71 home loss to Southern California on Sunday. The Badgers’ offense, averaging 80.2 points per game, is powered by guard Nick Boyd. He is averaging 21.2 points over his last six contests, including a 29-point effort in the loss to USC and a 32-point, 9-assist performance in a win over Rutgers on Jan. 17.

Minnesota (10-10, 2-6) seeks to halt a five-game skid, its most recent a 76-57 home defeat to Nebraska on Saturday. The Golden Gophers’ struggles have come despite strong play from forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, who is averaging 18.6 points over his last seven games. He scored 20 points in the first meeting with Wisconsin this season.

That Jan. 13 matchup in Minneapolis was a tight affair, with the Badgers escaping with a 78-75 victory. Boyd had 11 points and four assists for Wisconsin, while Crocker-Johnson added 20 points and a block for Minnesota.

The Badgers have dominated the recent series, winning nine of the last 10 meetings. Wisconsin’s home court has been a particular fortress in the rivalry; Minnesota’s last win at Kohl Center came on Jan. 22, 2019.

For the Golden Gophers to break that streak, they must improve an offense that has been held under 70 points in four of their five consecutive losses. Defense will also be critical against a potent Wisconsin attack that has scored 90 or more points three times in conference play.

Wisconsin, currently projected as a mid-seed in most NCAA tournament forecasts, can ill afford a setback against a sub-.500 conference foe at home. Minnesota, needing a signature win to revive its season, faces a steep challenge in one of the league’s most hostile environments.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. CST. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.