Ben Johnson and Greg Gard were in the same spot in the Big Ten men’s basketball standings after their Gophers and Wisconsin teams played their first two league games in early December. Both teams started at the bottom of the Big Ten with 0-2 league records.

Ben Johnson could have faced accusations of stealing silver linings after an 0-4 start to Big Ten play. After a loss to Ohio State this week, the Gophers men’s basketball coach pointed out how

Despite Gard's limited personnel, Wisconsin (13-3, 3-2 Big Ten) rode a hot-shooting second half to a blowout 80-59 victory over border rival Minnesota (8-8, 0-5 Big Ten). Winless in conference through five games, the Gophers are off to their worst start in Big Ten play since dropping their first 13 conference matchups in the 2015-16 season.