Big Ten Daily (Jan. 11): Wisconsin Maintains Top Spot in Big Ten By Beating Ohio State

Wisconsin is the Big Ten's last undefeated team, improving to 4-0 in league play with a 71-60 win over Ohio State on Wednesday. Are the Badgers talented enough to make a run at a conference title?

Before the season started, Purdue was the unquestioned favorite to win the Big Ten. But the Boilermakers appear to have a legitimate challenger in Wisconsin.

The Badgers improved to 4-0 in league play on Wednesday, posting a 71-60 victory over Ohio State. Greg Gard's squad is the only team left in the conference with an unblemished record in the Big Ten.

Max Klesmit stepped up in a big way for Wisconsin on Wednesday, scoring all 18 of his points in the second half. The Badgers also got 17 from AJ Storr and 11 from Tyler Wahl in the victory.

"Road wins are hard to get. You appreciate them when you get them," Gard said after the game. "Happy for this group. They did a good job of preparation and they came to play tonight."

Since suffering an ugly 98-73 loss to Arizona in early December, Wisconsin has strung together a five-game winning streak. The Badgers have defeated Jacksonville State, Chicago State, Iowa, Nebraska and Ohio State in that stretch.

Wisconsin has won every game by double digits.

That's not exactly the toughest five-game stretch, but one the Badgers have handled well. They took care of a red-hot Nebraska team — which just upset top-ranked Purdue. Wisconsin also picked up a big road win against Ohio State.

Gard's team also showed the ability to win big games earlier in the year. The Badgers have wins over Virginia, No. 11 Marquette and Michigan State. 

Wisconsin is only four games into the conference schedule. There's a lot of basketball left to be played. But right now, the Badgers look like a legitimate squad that can challenge for a Big Ten title.

Dug McDaniel's Unusual Suspension

Michigan leading scorer Dug McDaniel has been suspended for six games, according to a statement from coach Juwan Howard. But there's an unusual caveat regarding the guard's punishment.

McDaniel's suspension will only apply to road games. It might be the most unique

 situation regarding a suspension in college basketball.

"We have very high standards within our program, culture and university. Serving as mentors, we need to set the standards and pathways for our young men to succeed," Howard said.

"Beginning with out game at Maryland, Dug McDaniel will not travel to road games until further notice. Dug will dress for home games, however, when we are away from Ann Arbor, he will work towards meeting several academic goals he has set and needs to meet.

"While I am disappointed, this is not something we take lightly. This is an important step for Dug and his success a student-athlete."

Michigan travels to play Maryland on Thursday. McDaniel will also miss road games against Purdue, Michigan State, Nebraska, Illinois and Northwestern.

Egbuka, Burke Return to Ohio State

Ryan Day and the Ohio State staff received some big news this week. Defensive back Denzel Burke and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka have both announced they'll return to Columbus for the 2024 season.

Burke announced his decision on Wednesday, releasing a statement on social media. He is considered one of the top defensive backs in the Big Ten, tallying 24 tackles, nine pass break-ups, a forced fumble and an interception for the Buckeyes in 2023.

"Chasing legacy and greatness," Burke wrote on social media. "They are going to remember my name. Thank you God!!!"

Egbuka's announcement was made on Thursday. The wide receiver has the opportunity to emerge as the No. 1 target in Ohio State's pass offense next year.

Last season, Egbuka hauled in 41 passes for 515 yards with four touchdowns. But his best year came in 2022, when he accounted for 1,151 yards and 10 scores on 74 catches.

Getting both players back is a significant boost towards Ohio State's Big Ten title hopes in 2024.

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