No. 14 Cal Fullerton (25-8) at No. 3 Wisconsin (29-4)

The surprising Badgers look to continue their late-season surge when they meet Cal-State Fullerton on Thursday in a Midwest Regional first-round game.

Wisconsin is an 11-point favorite and the 'total' is hovering around 134.

A year ago, Wisconsin was touted as one of the top contenders for the national championship, only to be unceremoniously bounced by Nevada-Las Vegas in the second round.

With the loss of three starters, including Big Ten Player of the Year Alando Tucker, it figured to be a rebuilding year for the Badgers.

Instead, No. 3 seed Wisconsin (29-4) reeled off 23 victories in its last 25 games - losing only to Purdue - and won its final 10 contests, capped by a 61-48 victory over Illinois in the conference championship game.

The Badgers are much more balanced offensively, with six players averaging between 12.5 and 7.5 points per game. Senior center Brian Butch leads the team in scoring and rebounding (6.7).

Marcus Landry and Trevon Hughes average 11.3 points apiece, but defense has been the driving force behind Wisconsin's success.

The Badgers are leading the nation in points allowed, holding opponents to 54.3 points per game and limiting them to 38 percent shooting from the floor.

That adds up to a tall task for the 14th-seeded Titans, who do not have a starter taller than 6-5 and are making their first NCAA appearance in 30 years after winning the Big West tournament.

Guard Josh Akognon averages 19.9 points and has made 111 3-pointers for Fullerton (25-8).

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