Wisconsin Badgers Aim for 3-0 Start Against Ball State

MADISON, Wis. — The No. 24 Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team is back in action on Tuesday, November 11, facing the Ball State Cardinals at the Kohl Center. The game is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. central time.

Wisconsin is looking to improve its record to 3-0 after winning its first two games of the season by significant margins. Last week, the Badgers achieved a commanding 96-64 victory over Campbell and followed it with a 97-72 win against Northern Illinois. The team’s strong performance has established them as a force to be reckoned with early in the season.

Head coach Greg Gard expressed optimism about the team’s potential but also acknowledged areas that need improvement as they continue to refine their gameplay. The squad’s current scoring leaders include John Blackwell and Nick Boyd, each averaging 23 points per game, while Nolan Winter adds 14.5 points and Austin Rapp contributes 10.5 points per game.

Wisconsin’s shooting stats reflect a strong offensive start, with a field goal percentage of 50 percent, an impressive 80 percent from the free-throw line, and a three-point shooting average of 33.9 percent. In contrast, Ball State enters the matchup with a 2-0 record, having recently defeated Louisiana and Mansfield.

Ball State’s leading scorer, guard Armoni Ziegler, is averaging 16.5 points per game. Despite Ball State’s strong start, ESPN’s matchup predictor gives Wisconsin a 96.5% chance of winning, highlighting the difference in national rankings, with Wisconsin positioned at No. 18 and Ball State at No. 226 according to KenPom.

Fans looking to watch the game can tune into the Big Ten Network or listen on the Badger Radio Network, with Matt Lepay and Brian Butch providing commentary. Additionally, the game will be streamed online through services like Fubo and Hulu + Live TV.

Wisconsin and Ball State have a long history, having met eight times since their first encounter in 1936, where the Badgers currently lead the series 6-2. The last meeting was in 1999, with Wisconsin emerging victorious by a score of 60-50.

As the Badgers prepare for the game, they also honor Veterans Day with their annual Military Appreciation Game, giving away rally towels and recognizing those who have served in the military.