Wisconsin vs. Yale: College basketball game preview, TV schedule

Before the season started this look like an intriguing match-up. But after some unfortunate injuries, this could be a blowout.

TV Schedule: Sunday, November 12, 6:00 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

Arena: Kohl Center, Madison, Wisconsin

The Yale Bulldogs are currently without two starters on the team, with Jordan Bruner done for the season and Makai Mason out for a couple of months. The 92-76 loss against Creighton showed the importance of the losses, particularly on defense. Replacing them will be sixth-man Alex Copeland and freshman Paul Atkinson, who had an impressive college debut with 12 points. Both players will have to step up big time against the upcoming Badgers.

Wisconsin comes into the year a bit of a mystery. The last players of what was arguably the greatest era for the Badgers are now gone with the departures of Bronson Koenig and Nigel Hayes. That leaves head coach Greg Gard to reload with new stars with Ethan Happ at the forefront.

The junior center is a throwback, operating solely on the block and rarely moves beyond it. Last season he averaged 14.0 ppg and 9.0 rpg while adding a block a game as well. At 6’10, he represents a big mismatch that Yale will have to deal with. On one hand the Bulldogs healthy big man, Blake Reynolds is a good defender in his own right. However, Happ is a different beast than anything the Ivy has to offer.

Happ will likely get his, so how the other role players contribute for Wisconsin could very well determine the outcome for this matchup. Starting point guard D’Mitrik Trice will now be the new leader of the team, along with scoring and distributing for his teammates as well. He’ll have a busy night to be sure.

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Originally, I thought Yale had a great chance to win this kind of defensive battle. Now, I’m not sure they can keep it within single-digits. Creighton is a good team, but giving up 92 points is concerning, to say the least. I think the Bulldogs will play better on Sunday, but Wisconsin is just too much for them at this time.

Prediction: Wisconsin 72 – Yale 58