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Wisconsin Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Badgers

By Lukas Harkins

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 26: Head coach Gard of Wisconsin. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 26: Head coach Gard of Wisconsin. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 18: The Wisconsin Badgers mascot performs. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 18: The Wisconsin Badgers mascot performs. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

Non-conference schedule breakdown

Considering expectations for Wisconsin are scattered all over the place heading into this year, the non-conference slate will be help many figure out just how strong the team will be. Even though the Big Ten schedule starts in early December, taking advantage of high-quality non-conference matchups could be the difference between dancing and staying at home come March. So, in regards to Wisconsin’s schedule, here are some of the most intriguing games:

  • Nov. 13: at Xavier Musketeers (A)
  • Nov. 21-23: Battle 4 Atlantis (N)
  • Nov. 27: vs. NC State Wolfpack (H)
  • Dec. 8: at Marquette Golden Eagles (A)
  • Dec. 29: at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (A)

In the Gavitt Games between the Big Ten and the Big East, Wisconsin will take on Xavier in just the third game on the schedule. Even though the Musketeers will not be on the same level as last season, do not discount the potential of Quentin Goodin, Naji Marshall, and company. Wisconsin should be far more experienced but it is never easy to go into the Cintas Center and come out with a win.

After that, the Badgers will travel to the Bahamas to compete in the Battle 4 Atlantis. One of the most prestigious non-conference tournaments year after year, this event will be a great opportunity for Wisconsin to show just how “for real” they are going to be. The other teams competing in this event are Virginia, Florida, Butler, Middle Tennessee, Dayton, Stanford, and Oklahoma. Wisconsin’s first-round opponent will be Stanford.

Shortly after, Wisconsin has a home date with another potential NCAA Tournament team in NC State. The Wolfpack have flown under-the-radar for the majority of the offseason due to the overall strength of the ACC but they should be in bubble contention throughout the year. This might not be a Quadrant 1 game but should end up in Q2.

And then there is the in-state showdown between Marquette and Wisconsin. Arguably the best game on Wisconsin’s non-conference schedule, Marquette projects as a fringe top-25 team in the country this season. The Badgers will likely be underdogs in this early-December game and getting revenge on Marquette for the 2017-18 result (MU won in Madison, 82-63) would be sweet for the fans.

After a few “cupcake” games in the middle of December, Wisconsin closes with a fairly tough opponent in Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers nearly knocked off the Badgers in Madison last season and should be even better this season thanks to the arrival of top-10 2018 recruit Charles Bassey. Wisconsin will have its hands full in this one.

All in all, the Badgers should be able to walk out of non-conference play with a favorable record. My guess is that the team will be underdogs in 2-4 games non-conference games and notching a few W’s there would be huge. On the whole, Wisconsin’s non-conference slate is fairly solid, especially if they meet up with Virginia/Florida/Butler in the Battle 4 Atlantis. You can find the complete schedule here.

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