There is a big Friday afternoon battle on tap between two Top 25 programs, as the Wisconsin Badgers head west to face the Brigham Young Cougars at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. These teams put on a classic during the NCAA Tournament a season ago, combining for 180 points, and both squads look ready to run again.
This matchup sits perfectly in the mid-afternoon window, and everything points to a thriller from start to finish.
Wisconsin’s Unbeaten Start Sets the Stage
Wisconsin enters the game at 4-0 and ranked No. 23 in the nation. The Badgers have handled Campbell, Northern Illinois, Ball State, and SIU-Edwardsville while lighting up the scoreboard at 93.3 points per game.
Their efficiency has been remarkable. Wisconsin is hitting more than 84 percent of its free throws and knocking down over 12 threes per game. Nick Boyd leads the way at 20 points per contest, while three more Badgers are averaging double figures through four outings. Greg Gard has an offense that feels steady and dangerous.
BYU Still Looks Like a Problem in the Paint
The Cougars sit at 3-1 and come in ranked No. 9 despite a recent loss to UConn. BYU owns wins over Villanova, Holy Cross, and Delaware, and the identity of this team is obvious. They score at a high level, averaging 84.5 points per game, but they lean heavily on their work inside the arc. Only eight made threes per game, yet the offense still hums.
AJ Dybantsa has been as good as advertised. The freshman is at 20.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, and Richie Saunders has nearly matched him at 19.5 points. Robert Wright III gives them a third steady scorer, and when BYU controls the paint, they can overwhelm opponents quickly.
What’s at Stake on Friday
Both teams want to run. Both teams believe they can score in bunches. Both fanbases still remember the 91-89 BYU win in March. Wisconsin is trying to stay unbeaten and build a national résumé. BYU is trying to bounce back after falling to UConn and keep its top-ten footing.
And with key personnel questions for BYU, there is real intrigue.
Wisconsin vs. BYU: When and Where
Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. PT
Location: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Wisconsin vs. BYU: Where to Watch
Watch: Peacock
Streaming: FuboTV
Wisconsin vs. BYU: Betting Odds
Spread: BYU Cougars -4.5, Wisconsin Badgers +4.5
Moneyline: BYU Cougars -195, Wisconsin Badgers +165
Total: 161.5
Wisconsin vs. BYU : Series History
Most Recent Meeting:
BYU defeated Wisconsin 91-89 on March 22, 2025, in the NCAA Tournament second round.
All-Time Series:
Tied 1-1.
Wisconsin vs. BYU: Projected Starting Lineups
Wisconsin Badgers
Nick Boyd (#2) – 19.3 ppg
John Blackwell (#25) – 18 ppg
Nolan Winter (#31) – 16 ppg, 9.7 rpg
Austin Rapp (#22) – 10.7 ppg
Andrew Rhode (#7) – 7.7 ppg
BYU Cougars
AJ Dybantsa (#3) – 20.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg
Richie Saunders (#15) – 19.5 ppg
Robert Wright III (#1) – 17.8 ppg
Dawson Baker (#25) – 8 ppg
Keita Keba (#13) – 5 ppg (game-time decision)
Kennard Davis Jr. is suspended for this game.
Keba remains questionable with a head injury, and his absence would significantly impact BYU’s interior defense.
What Could Decide the Game
The loss of Davis hurts BYU’s depth, especially with his nine points per game and steady workload. If Keba cannot go, the Cougars will be thin around the rim, which is not an ideal setup against a Wisconsin team that has been incredibly efficient early.
Still, BYU plays fast, plays physical, and plays with confidence in its stars. Wisconsin brings balance, pace, and the sharper perimeter attack.
This has all the makings of another classic. Can Wisconsin walk into Salt Lake City and grab a statement win? Or will BYU respond at home and show why it belongs in the top ten?
Either way, fans should buckle up for a fun one.