They’ve already beaten two top-five teams this season (if you look at the coaches’ poll). They’re undefeated at the Kohl Center this season. And there are rumors injured forward Jon Leuer might return to the lineup.

However you look at it, tonight’s game is the season’s third-most anticipated game for Wisconsin, behind the upsets of Duke and Purdue in December and January, respectively. Yet, the Badgers’ third game at home against a top-five opponent is the biggest.

Much like the win over Purdue on Jan. 9, Wisconsin enters this game following a road loss. Last time, UW lost at Michigan State before knocking off the Boilermakers. A little less than a month later, the Badgers host the Spartans after losing Thursday at PU.

Ryan and his team will tell you it’s just another game. MSU head coach Tom Izzo would probably say the same. They’re wrong.

As much as they want to downplay the game tonight, everyone in the state of Wisconsin is probably well aware of the implications of tonight’s game. With a win, the Badgers can maintain an excellent shot at finishing second in the Big Ten.

If they lose, however, the cardinal and white will be staring at a third or fourth place finish. Nothing too terrible, but disappointing considering the way UW began the conference season.

Join Managing Editor Michael Bleach and Sports Editor Jordan Schelling of The Badger Herald as they provide live coverage of all of tonight’s action from Section 208 of the Kohl Center.