Wisconsin Badgers host Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens on Big Ten+ tonight

The Wisconsin Badgers host the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens tonight, Friday, November 6, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will be available exclusively via streaming on Big Ten+, as there is no traditional television broadcast for this matchup.

Coming off a season-opening 75-68 win against Denver, the Badgers are looking to sharpen their execution. While the victory provided a starting point, head coach Greg Gard was quick to note that the team’s performance did not quite reach his expectations. As reported by Sports Illustrated, the Badgers struggled with foul trouble and defensive lapses, nearly allowing a 17-point second-half lead to evaporate. Gard emphasized that regardless of the opponent, the focus remains on adhering to the team’s internal standards of play.

Building Momentum at the Kohl Center

Despite the opening-game jitters, Wisconsin showcased significant depth in its backcourt. New guard Eian Elmer made a strong impression, contributing 18 points and five rebounds, while freshman point guard Owen Foxwell added 14 points and seven assists. Fifth-year guard Braeden Carrington also provided a veteran presence with 15 points and four assists. This perimeter aggressiveness helped the Badgers dominate the interior, recording a 46-18 advantage in points in the paint.

He's only officially played one college game, but it's pretty clear that point guard Owen Foxwell brings something different to the #Badgers https://t.co/JGzqhaZbqM

— https://x.com/TheBadgerNation/status/2118063392208650469

The challenge tonight comes from a Delaware squad that arrives in Madison following a lopsided 105-44 win over Notre Dame of Maryland, a Division III program. While the Fightin’ Blue Hens shot an efficient 59.2 percent from the floor in that contest, they enter the matchup as significant underdogs. According to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Delaware is currently projected to finish at the bottom of the 10-team Conference USA preseason poll.

One player to watch for the visitors is DeShawn Harris-Smith. Now in his first year with Delaware, Harris-Smith brings high-major experience to the floor, having previously spent two seasons at Maryland and one at Georgetown. He demonstrated his playmaking ability in the season opener, recording 10 points and 11 assists.

Viewing and Listening Information

Because the game is not scheduled for linear television, fans must use the Big Ten+ streaming platform to watch the action live. Access requires a subscription, with plans currently priced at $12.99 per month or $89.99 for an annual pass. The broadcast team at the Kohl Center will include play-by-play announcer Aidan Michaels, analyst Mekhi Ackerman, and sideline reporter Johnny Raider, as noted by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

For those preferring the radio broadcast, the Badger Radio Network will carry the call. Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Matt Lepay will provide play-by-play alongside former Wisconsin All-American Brian Butch. The game will be available on several stations, including 1310 WIBA-AM, FOX Sports 1070, and 101.5 WIBA-FM in the Madison area, as well as 620 WTMJ-AM and 94.5 ESPN in Milwaukee. Listeners can also tune in via Sirius XM channel 268 or through The Varsity Network app.

The Betting Landscape

The oddsmakers at BetMGM have set a wide margin for tonight’s contest. As of November 6, the Badgers are favored by 25.5 points, with the over/under set at 156.5. The moneyline reflects the disparity in expectations, with Wisconsin listed at -10000 and Delaware at +2800. These figures are subject to change as tip-off approaches. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, help is available through the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.

Looking ahead, the Badgers have little time to rest. Following tonight’s game, Wisconsin prepares for a matchup against Fairfield on November 10 at 7:30 p.m. before heading to the Bahamas later in the month for the Baha Mar Championship.