NCAAM News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Newsletter

Wisconsin Basketball Staff Offers Strong Rising 2027 In-State Forward 1 Mar 16, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard, guard John Blackwell (25) and guard Kamari McGee (4) talk during a pause in play during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Wisconsin Badgers Book Strong ’25 Villanova Clash in Milwaukee – 'It’s a Win-Win'

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics
By Jarrett Guerrera | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 10:10 PM ET

The Wisconsin Badgers basketball team has put together a tough schedule thus far for the upcoming season which now includes another Milwaukee trip.

Coach Greg Gard has been hard at work building both a formidable roster as well as a strong schedule that will be talked about when March rolls along. The Badgers fought hard a season ago and put together results that coach Gard expressed plenty of gratitude over. However, such accomplishments cannot be achieved without the proper work put in and part of that work involves playing contests against the toughest competition.

Wisconsin officially booked a December 19th contest in Milwaukee against Villanova which will be the second trip to the Fiserv Forum for the Badgers of the season. Wisconsin will also travel to Milwaukee to play Oklahoma on October 24th, and both contests should serve as tools to gauge where the team is at during the season.

When speaking about adding the game to the schedule, coach Gard praised Villanova and spoke highly about the “powerhouse program” that the Wildcats have built. Gard calls the game a “win-win” for both programs as Villanova is a strong out of conference match-up and Milwaukee has historically been a great atmosphere for the Badgers.

Wisconsin Badgers Schedule Tough Contest Against Villanova Wildcats at the Fiserv Forum

Wisconsin Basketball: Top 2026 SF Target Transfers Out of State to Bella Vista Prep 3 Mar 16, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard watches play downcourt during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Historically speaking, the Wisconsin Badgers are undefeated against Villanova after defeating the program 65-62 in the lone game between the two teams. However, an opportunity for two programs on different paths could be just the type of game that the fans will be looking for early in the season.

Last season, Villanova finished 21-15 and suffered a postseason defeat to UCF in the semi-finals of the College Basketball Crown. The Wildcats were led by forward Eric Dixon last season who was one of the stronger players in the NCAA, but has since graduated up to the NBA ranks with the Los Angeles Lakers. Dixon leaves a major hole in the program that will be tough to fill, which is something the Wisconsin Badgers are currently experiencing with the loss of John Tonje.

Villanova has struggled to be the same dominant program that has been displayed in the past, but new talent could prove to be the key. The Wildcats added transfers Duke Brennan, Bryce Lindsey, Tafara Gapare, and Devin Askew. Four-star guard Acaden Lewis, a top-40 recruit, also signed with the program and is expected to take on a significant role early for the Wildcats.

With the way things are currently shaping up, the Wisconsin Badgers added not only a strong challenge in a game with Villanova, but also a great game for the fans.

Wisconsin Badgers Book Strong '25 Villanova Clash in Milwaukee - Mar 5, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: