Wisconsin Badgers vs. UT Rio Grande Valley: Game Thread

Pre-Game

Wisconsin Badgers vs. UT Rio Grande Valley is set to tip off at 8 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. The game will be played at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. The Badgers are coming off a 74-64 win over Southern Illinois in their season opener. Greg Gard is in his ninth season as Wisconsin's head coach. His overall record with the Badgers is 182-85. UT Rio Grande Valley is coming off a 70-67 win over North Texas in their season opener. Will Pivec is in his fourth season as UT Rio Grande Valley's head coach. His overall record with the Vaqueros is 59-50.

Players to Watch

Wisconsin: Ethan Happ, Chucky Hepburn, Tyler Wahl
UT Rio Grande Valley: Javon Levi, Justin Johnson, Marek Olesinski

Happ is a senior forward who is one of the most experienced players in the country. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection last season and is averaging 18.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game this season. Hepburn is a sophomore guard who is one of the most exciting young players in the country. He was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season and is averaging 14.0 points and 5.5 assists per game this season. Wahl is a junior forward who is one of the most versatile players on the Badgers roster. He can score, rebound, and defend at a high level. He is averaging 12.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game this season.

Prediction

Wisconsin is a heavy favorite against UT Rio Grande Valley. The Badgers are a much more experienced and talented team. They should have no problem winning this game. Wisconsin 85, UT Rio Grande Valley 65