MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin plays its final game of 2020 on New Year's Eve, traveling to Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Badgers (3-2, 0-2 B1G) take on their first ranked team in No. 16 Michigan (5-0, 0-0) at the Crisler Center Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Here are five quick things to know before tuning in.
 
1. BACKCOURT LEADERS: Sophomore Sydney Hilliard continues to lead the Badgers this season, scoring over 20 points in four-of-the-five games. But the emergence and growth of Julie Pospisilova in Wisconsin's last outing versus Valparaiso is a great look forward at what this starting back-court duo could look like for Coach Jonathan Tsipis' Badgers. Hilliard, averaging nearly 37 minutes a game, leads Wisconsin and ties for third overall in the Big Ten, averaging 23 points a game. Pospisilova had a career-high day in Wisconsin's overtime win over Valpo, totaling 23 points, shooting five-for-seven from 3-point range. The starting duo, also averaging a combined 10 assists a game, will look to play a large role in the Badger's scoring and distribution heading into the rest of the Big Ten schedule.
 
2. IMMOVABLE IMANI: Junior forward Imani Lewis has been one of the most consistent pieces for Wisconsin to lean on, not only as an overall experienced veteran but especially in late-game situations. The New Jersey native is averaging a near double-double with 14.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Lewis scored nine of her 19 points in the fourth quarter and overtime in Wisconsin's win over Valparaiso, giving the Badgers the extra surge they needed to prevail. She also sits second in Big Ten in rebounds per game.
 
3. WINTER BREAK: Both the Badgers and Wolverines have seen multiple cancellations and postponements early on in their seasons, forcing a prolonged break in action for both teams, but especially Michigan. Thursday will make 11 days since Wisconsin took the court against an opponent and 22 days for Michigan as it has had its last two games pushed back due to COVID-19. With both teams coming off an extended break over the holidays, the extra time to fine tune some of what each team seeks improvement on will definitely be a strength, but the odd scheduling could also prove hard to navigate for both coaches.
 
4. SCOUTING THE WOLVERINES: The Wolverines host the Badgers with an undefeated 5-0 record. Michigan's first two Big Ten games, originally scheduled against Illinois and Penn State, were both postponed, so Wisconsin will be the first conference test for Michigan. Leading Michigan is junior forward Naz Hillmon, averaging 24.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Leading the guard play for the Wolverines is junior Leigha Brown, scoring 18 points per game and adding nearly four assists per game. Past these two leaders, Michigan sees an even distribution of both scoring and rebounding amongst its other starters and bench players. Wisconsin leads the all-time series with Michigan 40-21 but the Wolverines have won .the last eight games
 
5. HOW TO WATCH: Fans can watch this New Year's Eve faceoff on Big Ten Network+ and listen in on U 100.9 FM radio. For live updates and stats, follow @BadgerWBB on any social media platform.