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Dec 21, 2019; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers guard Darius Roy (20) works the ball against Wisconsin Badgers guard Brad Davison (34) at the Kohl Center. Mary Langenfeld-Imagn Images

Preview: Wisconsin Badgers basketball vs Milwaukee Panthers

Originally posted on Wisconsin Badgers on SI
By Benjamin Worgull | Last updated Dec 30, 2025 10:23 AM ET

MADISON, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin's final nonconference tune-up will come against a familiar opponent, closing out the 2025 calendar year by taking on Milwaukee tonight at the Kohl Center.

One of seven Big Ten teams who are undefeated at home, Wisconsin (8-4) is averaging 91.7 points through its seven home wins, shooting 48.4 percent (211-436) and 37.7 percent (87-231) from three-point range.

In last week's 88-61 win over Central Michigan, the Badgers had their most balanced night of the season, seeing 11 players find the scoring column, shooting a season-best 53.7 percent from the field, and getting 44 points from the bench, the most for UW's reserves since at least the 2006-07 season.

"To play the second half only have two turnovers and then 25 assists on 29 baskets is a sign that when we move the ball where, we're hard to guard," Wisconsin coach head Greg Gard said.

Milwaukee (7-6) comes to the state's capital on a NBA schedule, playing the second game of a back-to-back after defeating Purdue Fort Wayne, 77-55, in Milwaukee. Leading 44-16 at halftime and by as many as 35 points, the victory moved the Panthers to 3-0 in the Horizon League.

Wisconsin and Milwaukee have met 35 times, which included playing annually from 1992 through 2015.

Recent history has shown Wisconsin basketball is primed to start a winning streak. With Big Ten play restarting in five days, the #Badgers have a lot of expectations to live up to https://t.co/dpgm0Fa5Iv
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) December 29, 2025

How can I watch the Badgers vs. Panthers?

Date: Tuesday, Dec.30
Start time: 6 p.m. central
TV channel: Big Ten Network (Chris Vosters and Bruce Weber)

You can stream the Big Ten Network through a live TV streaming service like Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or YouTube TV, or by using the FOX Sports app with your cable or satellite TV credentials.

How can I listen to Badgers vs. the Panthers?

Radio: The Badger Radio Network includes numerous stations across Wisconsin, with key stations being WIBA-AM 1310 in Madison and 95.7 BIG FM in Milwaukee. Other affiliates broadcasting Badger sports include WDUZ-AM/FM in Green Bay, WXCE-AM in Amery, and WBEV-FM in Beaver Dam. The game can also be heard on Sirius XM Channel 384 or online on The Varsity Network.

Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Matt Lepay (play-by-play) and former Wisconsin All-Big Ten center Brian Butch (analyst) will call the game.

What are the recreational betting odds?

Odds according to FanDuel as of Dec.29
Odds: Badgers by 21.5
Over/under: 155.5
Moneyline: Wisconsin (-7000), Milwaukee (+2000)
Wisconsin's record against the spread: 6-6
Wisconsin's record as the home favorite: 5-2
Wisconsin's ATS record after at least four days off: 3-2
Wisconsin's ATS record after a win: 2-5

The info on this week's opponent

All-time, regular season: Wisconsin leads 33-2
All-time, postseason: 0-0
All-time, in Madison: Wisconsin leads 22-2
Streaks: Wisconsin has won 2
Last meeting, regular season: Dec. 21, 2019, Madison, Wis., Wisconsin won, 83-64

Badgers schedule

All times Central
Last Five
Dec. 2: vs. Northwestern, W 85-73
Dec. 6: vs. Marquette, W 96-76
Dec.9: at Nebraska, L 60-90
Dec. 19: vs. Villanova (Milwaukee), L 66-76 OT
Dec. 22: vs. Central Michigan, W 88-61

Next Five
Dec. 30: vs. Milwaukee, 6 p.m.
Jan.3: vs. No.6 Purdue, 7 p.m.
Jan.6: vs. UCLA, 8 p.m.
Jan.10: at No. 2 Michigan, 12 p.m./1 p.m.
Jan.13: at Minnesota, 6 p.m.