After an overtime loss to Marquette on Saturday, the Badgers will look to bounce back during their three-game homestead this week featuring a pair of in-state rivals. They face Milwaukee on Monday night and Bowling Green on Wednesday night. Tip-off for both games is set for 6:30 p.m. They’ll finish off the week against Green Bay at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Kohl Center.
The Badgers are now 1-1 on the season after a devastating loss to Marquette. The team put up a fight until the end despite struggling offensively, shooting just 34.8% (23-for-66) from the field, 22.2% (6-for-27) from three and 71.4% (10-for-14) from the free-throw line.
The Badgers led for more than 36 minutes of game time, but couldn't fend off a late Golden Eagles push that forced overtime. Wisconsin will look to use this loss as motivation in the coming week.
The Badgers kick off the homestand against Milwaukee. This will be the 34th all-time meeting between the teams. Wisconsin holds a 29-4 series advantage overall and a 19-2 edge at home. Milwaukee is coming off its first win of the season against Northern Illinois.
In their first two games, the Panthers are averaging 65.5 points per game while allowing 62.0 points per game. Altogether, they are shooting 43.7% from the field, 35.3% from 3‑point range and 68.3% from the free‑throw line. While Milwaukee enters with improved shooting numbers and confidence from its first win, Wisconsin’s depth and familiarity at home could give the Badgers the edge if they execute cleanly on offense and limit transition opportunities.
Following the matchup with Milwaukee, Wisconsin will shift its attention to Bowling Green. The Badgers are 1-1 all-time against the Falcons, and the last time the two faced each other was in 1998. The Falcons are coming off a blowout loss to No. 2 South Carolina, 114-47.
They are currently shooting 35.7% from the field and 26% from the 3-point line. This is something the Badgers can use to their advantage, especially with their strong defense. They will have to be careful when it comes to fouling, as Bowling Green is shooting 80% at the line and can turn fouls into efficient points.
The Badgers will close out the week against Green Bay. They are 20-17 all-time against Green Bay, with their most recent matchup being a loss in 2022. The Phoenix are 2-0 on the year, marking a strong start to their season in what is a traditionally strong program. Sunday’s matchup will also be a reunion for former Badger Gracie Grzesk, who transferred to her native Green Bay this offseason.
They are averaging similar offensive numbers to Wisconsin at about 70 points per game and shooting 49% in the field. Their offense is going to be the biggest threat to the Badgers all week, and their momentum could keep the Badgers from taking the win.
Wisconsin has a full week ahead of them, but they have a great opportunity to pick up some valuable wins at home to continue the start of their season strong.
