MADISON, Wis. -- Fresh off laying claim to the Big Ten title, the University of Wisconsin men's basketball team must confront Cal State Fullerton on Thursday in their first step in the NCAA tournament.

The Badgers will face the Titans in Omaha in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Coach Bo Ryan said earlier this week that he hasn't had much time to study tape on the Titans, but he said that teams have to be good to get into the tournament. He said that the Titans look athletic and like to run.

Ryan said that he likes the way his guys are playing, too. He said that success in the tournament comes down to who gets hot and who doesn't.

Ryan said that the Badgers' stout defense helped them win the Big Ten tournament and he thinks that will carry them if they make a deep run in the NCAA tourney.

The Badgers earned a No. 3 seed in the tournament's Midwest Region.

The team captured the Big Ten title last week. Player Brian Butch scored 12 points to beat upstart Illinois 61-48 this weekend to sweep the Big Ten regular season.

Butch said earlier this week that the Badgers know next to nothing about their next opponent. They've been able to catch a little on TV, but will study them before the game.

Another strength for the Badgers is balance.

Five Badgers enter the tournament averaging between nine and 13 points.