The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS - The Wisconsin Badgers used buses for their four-hour trip to the Metrodome, a cramped but relaxing ride.

"Ever watch 6-foot-10, 6-foot-11 guys sit in one of those seats on a bus? Interesting," Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan said Wednesday.

If a lanky player looking for leg room is a tall order, imagine the one facing Wisconsin in today's Midwest Regional semifinal.

Somehow the Badgers must run their offense in the face of a defensive whirlwind, the Kentucky Wildcats (31-3), and put an end to a 25-game winning streak.

They have to do it against relentless pressure from a deep and athletic team that has a 17.3-point average margin of victory during its impressive string of wins.

The way Kentucky has been playing since a Dec. 28 loss to Louisville, the only end the Wildcats envision is in New Orleans, with a national title.

"We are going to do the things we need to do at this point in time to win a championship," guard Keith Bogans said.

"We get up on that line and stop our man. And if you get beat, you have your teammates to help you out," he added.

Wisconsin's "swing" offense, which allows guards like 6-5 Kirk Penney the freedom to go inside and bigger players to pop outside, will get its most severe test.

The Badgers (24-7), who averaged only 10.3 turnovers this season, make as many passes as needed for a good shot but won't hold the ball until the shot clock is ready to run out. Their balance is reflected by five starters in double figures.

Still, their biggest problem today could be getting the ball up the floor to start their offense, and finding a comfortable tempo.

"We just have to be poised and keep our composure," said Penney, a senior who averaged 16.1 points.

"We're just going to do what we do well out there - look out for the ball, get it inside, get it into the post, get those easy points."