Wisconsin Badgers begin the postseason ranked in the AP Top 25

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The University of Wisconsin men's basketball team will start the postseason ranked No. 23 in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll of the regular season. The Badgers (24-9, 14-6 Big Ten) clinched a third straight top-five finish in the conference with a 98-94 victory at No. 15 Purdue on Saturday, their fourth straight win over an AP Top-25 opponent.

Why it matters

Wisconsin's strong finish to the regular season, including several high-profile road wins over ranked opponents, has the Badgers well-positioned for a potential NCAA Tournament run. The team's NET ranking of No. 26 also has them firmly in the field of 68 as the conference tournaments and Selection Sunday approach.

The details

In the win over Purdue, the Badgers shot a season-high 55.8% from the field and hit a school-record 18 three-pointers. They also committed only eight turnovers and shot 87.5% from the free throw line. Wisconsin has now won four straight games over AP Top-25 teams, three of which have come on the road.

• Wisconsin clinched a third straight top-five Big Ten finish with the win at Purdue on March 7, 2026.
• The Badgers were ranked No. 23 in the final AP Top 25 poll of the regular season, released on March 9, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Badgers will begin Big Ten Tournament play on Thursday, March 13, 2026, against the winner of Wednesday's USC vs. Washington game.