With only six regular season games left, all of them against conference foes, the Lady Lion basketball team is doing its best to save local sports scribes the hassle of repeating questions. One answer to a pregame favorite hasn't changed all year.

Q: Thoughts on the next matchup? Worried about looking ahead?

A: We're just takin' it game by game.

The one-game-at-a-time attitude that has carried No. 2 Penn State (20-1, 11-1 Big Ten) through its nearly flawless season prevails again as the Lady Lions visit Wisconsin (12-10, 5-8) at 8 p.m. today.

"It's just another Big Ten game, and every Big Ten game is so important right now," junior center Missy Masley said. "If we lose one, we're tied for (the) Big Ten (lead)."

This game-by-game philosophy is an integral part of Rene Portland's coaching dogma and invaluable in a season that has seen the Lady Lions claim the top spot nationally and in the Big Ten.

"We've learned the hard way that it has to be true," Portland said, referring to the Lady Lions' early exits from the postseason. "Truly, we've taken that lesson and put it into the season."

The Lady Lions had better heed their own words because Wisconsin would love to catch them looking ahead. The Badgers are fighting for their postseason lives, and a win at home against the nation's second-ranked team would provide a needed boost.

"I think our role is more of a spoiler right now," Wisconsin Coach Mary Murphy said. "We're not looking at the big picture. Our focus is just on Penn State."