Wisconsin’s depth should help compensate for loss of Jon Leuer

After celebrating an upset against No. 4 Purdue on Saturday, Wisconsin fans are worrying about the loss of a player who helped contribute to that victory.

Forward Jon Leuer suffered a broken left wrist during a fall early in the game and is out indefinitely. He is scheduled for surgery today.

Wisconsin Coach Bo Ryan said he will approach this as he does when Leuer is on the bench because of foul trouble.

“We have to go with the next guy,” Ryan said. “Are we going to whine? No, that’s not allowed.”

The Badgers (13-3, 3-1 Big Ten, tied for 13th in the AP rankings) are fortunate to have one of the better benches in the Big Ten, as was evidenced in the victory against Purdue.

How do they differ?

Kansas State Coach Frank Martin wanted to play a game of Find the Difference.

After losing to Missouri at Mizzou Arena on Saturday, Martin wanted to know what the big contrast is between Villanova, a preseason pick to win the Big East, and Missouri, a preseason seventh pick in the Big 12.

Both returned their perimeter and four starters. Villanova advanced to the Final Four last season, Missouri to the Elite Eight.

Of course, some would argue Villanova’s talent is far richer. But in a deep Big 12, which includes last week’s No. 1 Kansas and current No. 1 Texas, Missouri showed signs it can hold its own with an impressive victory against Kansas State.

Swish of the week

Tennessee playmakers, not troublemakers.

With only six scholarship players available, the Volunteers knocked off No. 1 Kansas after four players were arrested and suspended from the team.

Brick of the week

Top 15 teams. Ten of them served up disappointment.

Game of the week

Pittsburgh at Connecticut, Wednesday, 4 p.m. PST.

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