Following a 71-56 loss at Minnesota on Jan. 6, the women's basketball team was tied for seventh place in the Big Ten with a 1-2 record. This was the same team that shared the conference crown a year ago, and advanced to the elite eight of the NCAA tournament.

But that was three weeks ago. Since then, the Lady Lions are undefeated, winning their last three Big Ten games by convincing margins. Now, No. 10 Penn State (13-3, 4-2 Big Ten) is tied for second place in the conference with a chance to bolt atop the standings with two victories this weekend.

At 7:30 p.m. today, the Lady Lions take on Illinois (9-8, 2-5) in Urbana-Champaign, Ill. Penn State then confronts Wisconsin at 2 p.m. on Sunday in Rec Hall, where the Lady Lions are 35-0 against conference opponents.

Last year, Wisconsin struggled through another disappointing season, going 13-14 and finishing ninth in the Big Ten.

But this year, the Badgers (13-3, 6-1) are riding a wave of rejuvination. First-year Coach Jane Albright-Dieterle is in control, and the Wisconsin program sits alone atop the Big Ten. This is the same program that has had just one winning season in the last decade.

"We're excited about our development," Albright-Dieterle said. "But we know we've still got things to work on."

On May 26, 1994, Albright-Dieterle took the reins of the Badger program, replacing Mary Murphy. Before coming to Madison, Wis., Albright-Dieterle enjoyed a successful tenure at Northern Illinois, compiling a 140-48 record and six NCAA tournament appearances.

She has instilled that winning attitude in a Wisconsin program looking to improve its women's basketball team. Forward Barb Franke, an All-America candidate, has sparked the Badgers with 19.1 points per game this season, while guard Keisha Anderson leads the conference with 3.56 steals per game.

"(The Badgers) are enjoying each other," Lady Lion Coach Rene Portland said of the program's recent turnaround, "and that's a direct reflection of their coach. Jane brings a family spirit to that program. She's enthusiastic and a good communicator."

Prior to the season-opener, Albright-Dieterle instituted "BadgerBall," an up-tempo offense and in-your-face half-court defense. Thus far, "BadgerBall" has worked.

Despite the Badgers sub-par 1993-94 season, Wisconsin is primed to see postseason action this year.

"I think the goal of every team in the country is to get to the NCAA tournament," Albright-Dieterle said. "I don't mind saying that to anybody because no matter where you finished the year before, everybody wants to play in the NCAA tournament."

But first, Wisconsin must concern itself with Penn State. Portland said her Lady Lions -- led by Angie Potthoff's 18.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per game -- are finally coming together.

"The starting group of our team has developed a nice chemistry," Portland said. "I'm very impressed with the maturity and attitude of our team right now."

Before the Lady Lions encounter Wisconsin on Sunday, they must challenge Illinois at Huff Hall. The Fighting Illini are led by forward Kris Dupps' 15.3 points per game.

"Our motto is to come out 2-0 this weekend," Penn State guard Carla Coleman said. "Being on the road is a difficult task in the Big Ten. We haven't won on the road yet this season, so I know that's in the back of my mind."