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Madison: Badgers split fortunes across Big Ten tournaments

PUBLISHED Mar 11, 2026, 7:29 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 8

Center 100%

Sources: 8

Madison — Wisconsin's men's hockey team lost 7-1 to Ohio State on Wednesday in a Big Ten quarterfinal at the Kohl Center, ending a hot stretch after snapping a six-game skid and going 6-2 against ranked opponents. Meanwhile, the Badgers men's basketball team completed the regular season and entered the Big Ten Tournament as the No.5 seed; on Thursday they beat Washington 85-82 to advance and will face No.4 Illinois in Chicago on Friday. ESPN bracketology currently projects Wisconsin as a No.6 seed for the NCAA Tournament. Game summaries and box scores cited. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Ayesha A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Wisconsin hockey snapped a six-game skid, then compiled a 6-2 run entering postseason.
Big Ten hockey quarterfinals began Wednesday, March 11; Wisconsin hosted Ohio State at the Kohl Center.
Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 7-1 in the Big Ten quarterfinal on March 11.
Wisconsin men's basketball completed the regular season, securing a No.5 seed in the Big Ten Tournament.
The Badgers beat Washington 85-82 on Thursday and were scheduled to meet Illinois in Chicago on Friday.

News Intelligence

If you're a Badgers fan, this is a mixed bag. The hockey team's loss is a tough pill to swallow, especially after their recent comeback. But the basketball team's win offers hope. They're advancing in the Big Ten and are projected for the NCAA Tournament.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Ohio State and Illinois benefited directly by securing tournament advancement and momentum, improving immediate postseason positioning and public perception for those programs.

Who Impacted

Wisconsin's hockey program suffered a decisive 7-1 quarterfinal loss that ended its late-season momentum, while players, coaches, and local fans faced heightened disappointment and scrutiny.