Sat Nov 08 01:40:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

No. 24 Wisconsin Basketball Set to Clash with Northern Illinois, Aim for 2-0 Start

MADISON, Wis. – The No. 24 Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team will look to continue their winning ways as they host Northern Illinois Huskies tonight at the Kohl Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Wisconsin is coming off a dominant 96-64 victory over Campbell in their season opener. Junior guard John Blackwell led the charge with a near-career-high 31 points, while forward Nolan Winter recorded a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. The Badgers showcased a strong second-half defensive performance, holding Campbell to a mere 4 points in the last 10 minutes of the game.

Graduate student Nick Boyd also had a strong Badger debut, contributing 21 points.

Blackwell’s stellar performance has earned him recognition on the 2025-26 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year Watchlist, adding to his already impressive preseason accolades.

The Badgers hold a commanding 12-2 lead in the all-time series against Northern Illinois, though the two teams haven’t met since 2002. Wisconsin won that contest 84-56.

Following tonight’s game, Wisconsin will remain at home to face Ball State on Tuesday, November 11 and SIUE on Monday, November 17.

Read More