The Badgers look to rebound from their Dec. 4 heartbreaking loss to Wake Forest, but UW’s challenge this time around may be a certain blanketing defender rather than a dismal effort on the glass and at the free-throw line.

After holding off Wisconsin (4-1) last season 74-69, UNLV (4-0) invades Madison Saturday to take on the Badgers for the second straight season.

The Runnin’ Rebels are led by a stellar senior duo showcasing Marcus Banks at point guard and Dalron Johnson at small forward. After beating Nevada 82-80 on Dec. 4, the Runnin’ Rebels have started the season undefeated.

Banks nailed a 10-foot game-winning jumper with less than a second left, capping off a 35-point, five-steal effort that propelled UNLV to victory. Johnson added 10 points and nine rebounds in the win.

Banks is in his second season with UNLV after transferring from Dixie College (UT). As a sophomore, Banks was named first team NJCAA All-American for his immaculate play at point guard in 2000-2001. That season, he averaged 17 points, 5.5 boards, and 4 assists while leading Dixie to a third place finish in the Junior College National Tournament.

ESPN’s Dick Vitale even named Banks one of the top five junior college transfers last season. Banks certainly did not disappoint.

In 2001-2002, the former juco star was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year while helping the Rebels finish 21-11 and earn a NIT postseason appearance. Banks averaged 15.8 points and led the conference in steals, earning second team All-MWC honors.

In order to find redemption, the Badgers must contain Banks, a feat they did not accomplish last season.

In that matchup, Banks led all scorers with 21 points while UW point guard Devin Harris poured in 20 points in their respective debuts.

This season Banks has pushed his average to 4.2 steals per game while leading the Runnin’ Rebels in scoring with 23.2 points per game and shooting better than 58 percent from the field.

Banks said he expects to defend Harris Saturday, although he said no individual player really presents that great of a specific challenge to his team.

“I’ll probably be guarding the point guard,” Banks said. “There was nothing that really stood out and impressed us last season. We were able to go in and do what we wanted.”

“Wisconsin has a good team. They will play hard and compete. Last year was a great game and the ball just bounced our way,” Banks said. “This year we’ll run the same game plan and go up there to try to get another win.”

UNLV’s backcourt also features Georgetown transfer Demetrius Hunter, who averages 10.8 points per game.

Banks said that Hunter’s presence on the court has helped free up his game at the point.

“Demetrius makes things happen. Teams have to respect him on the court,” Banks said. “He is a great player and a great person and a big help to our team.”

While Banks may be thinking NBA after this season, right now his focus is locked on playing each game one at a time to put UNLV in position to contend for the Mountain West title and a NCAA tournament bid.

“We just have to do whatever coach (Spoonhour) says and follow his game plans,” Banks said. “We have to stay together and do things right to put us in that position.

“We are going to play hard just like every other night,” Banks said of Saturday’s matchup. “We have to dig deep and whoever wants it more will come out with a win.”