Tuesday is another night under the lights at the Kohl Center, and the Wisconsin Badgers have a chance to keep building early-season momentum against the Ball State Cardinals.
Greg Gard’s squad showed flashes
of what this team can become in its last few outings, and tonight’s matchup is about consistency, discipline, and depth. The Cardinals aren’t a pushover — they play fast, can shoot the three, and bring back experience in the backcourt — but Wisconsin’s structure and physicality should win out if they take care of the small things.
Here are three keys to a Wisconsin win over Ball State on Tuesday
Win the glass and control the paint
Wisconsin’s frontcourt of Nolan Winter and Austin Rapp has to make this game physical early. Ball State doesn’t have the size or depth to bang with Big Ten forwards for 40 minutes, and that’s where the Badgers can impose their will. The key isn’t just rebounding — it’s turning those boards into controlled possessions and second-chance points.
When Wisconsin dominates the glass, it dictates tempo. It allows Nick Boyd to push or pull back at will and keeps the offense out of rushed looks. Expect Winter to look more aggressive on put-backs and Winter to set strong inside seals. Defensively, the Badgers need to finish every possession. No free rebounds, no second looks.
If Wisconsin keeps Ball State to one shot per trip, this game gets out of hand quickly.
Defend the three-point line
Ball State’s calling card is perimeter shooting. They’ll look to stretch Wisconsin’s defense and get their rhythm guys — Armoni Zeigler and Davion Hill — comfortable from deep. The Badgers can’t let that happen. Expect Gard’s defense to hedge harder on screens and close out with discipline.
Wisconsin doesn’t have to overhelp; they just have to stay connected. This is where John Blackwell and Nick Boyd become crucial. Both guards have shown energy and lateral quickness on defense, and their ability to contest without fouling will determine whether Ball State’s shooters get any daylight.
If Wisconsin can force Ball State off the line and into mid-range pull-ups or paint traffic, the game tilts heavily in their favor.
The Cardinals also turn the ball over when they’re forced to put it on the floor too often — another reason to stay home on shooters. Look for Wisconsin to create a few live-ball turnovers that turn into easy buckets in transition.
Play with pace and poise
It’s easy to overlook a MAC opponent after a couple of high-energy games, but Wisconsin can’t afford a flat start. The first 10 minutes will set the tone. When the Badgers play with pace — cutting, sharing, attacking the rim — they look fluid. When they slow down too much, the offense stagnates.
Prediction
This is where Nick Boyd’s shot creation and Blackwell’s confidence are key. Both guards have shown they can get downhill and create for others. If Wisconsin pushes tempo in spurts and doesn’t settle for lazy jumpers, the offense will hum.
Defensively, it’s about engagement. Talk on switches, close out with energy, and keep the hands active. Wisconsin’s best games come when the bench contributes too — expect Jack Janicki or Braeden Carrington to spark a run with defensive energy or a timely three.
If the Badgers control the glass, defend the arc, and maintain tempo, this should be another step forward in building a complete identity before conference play. Nights like this are about setting the standard — not just winning, but doing it the Wisconsin way. Expect the Kohl Center crowd to get loud early, and if the Badgers bring the same defensive intensity they showed last week, Ball State will be headed back to Muncie with an “L.”
Prediction: Wisconsin 87, Ball State 59.
