This year hasn't quite gone according to plan for Wisconsin, but the Badgers will have a chance to defend their Big Ten title when they travel to Indianapolis for the conference tournament next week.
The reigning conference champions won't be the favorites to repeat, but they had built some nice momentum before Sunday's loss to Purdue. The Badgers head into the tournament winners in 11 of their last 13 games, which includes victories on the road over then-No. 2 Maryland and No. 8 Iowa.
Interim head coach Greg Gard has done more than enough to warrant a long-term extension, and his reputation would only grow if he can lead Wisconsin to its fourth Big Ten tournament title.