Wisconsin Badgers Dominate Ball State Cardinals 86-55
Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 8:30 PM ET · Kohl Center
Wisconsin Badgers 86, Ball State Cardinals 55, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Ball State Cardinals vs Wisconsin Badgers?
Wisconsin Badgers beat Ball State Cardinals 86-55 at Kohl Center on November 11, 2025.
In a commanding performance, the Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Ball State Cardinals with a final score of 86-55 at the Kohl Center. This victory highlights Wisconsin's strong start to the season, improving their record to 4-0 while Ball State falls to 2-2. The Badgers showcased their offensive prowess, averaging 81.8 points over their last five games, while Ball State has struggled on the road, now holding an 0-3 away record.
Wisconsin entered the game on a two-game winning streak, having recently secured victories against Northern Illinois Huskies and Campbell Fighting Camels, scoring 97 and 96 points respectively in those outings. Their last five games have seen them average 81.8 points while allowing 67.8, indicating a solid balance between offense and defense. The Badgers' home record stands at 4-1, showcasing their ability to perform well in front of their fans.
On the other hand, the Cardinals have been inconsistent, with a 2-1 record to start the season. They also entered the game on a two-game winning streak, having defeated Mansfield Mountaineers and Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. However, their performance has been less impressive away from home, where they have yet to secure a victory this season. Overall, Ball State has averaged 74.7 points while allowing 71.4 over their last ten games.
The matchup also had implications for both teams' confidence moving forward, especially for Ball State, which has struggled in previous meetings against Wisconsin. This game marked another opportunity for the Cardinals to prove themselves, but they were unable to keep pace with the Badgers.
In terms of player performances, Wisconsin's offense was led by effective teamwork, with multiple players contributing to the scoreline. The scoring plays included a series of three-point jumpers and free throws that helped maintain their lead throughout the game. Ball State's attempts to rally were met with strong defensive efforts from Wisconsin, who effectively limited their scoring opportunities.
The Badgers' injury status was not mentioned, suggesting they were at full strength for this matchup. This is a crucial factor as injuries can significantly impact a team's performance, and Wisconsin's health may have contributed to their dominant showing.
The betting market had priced Wisconsin as heavy favorites, reflecting their strong home performance and overall form. According to the odds provided by the market, Wisconsin had a home win probability of 1.0, indicating a strong expectation for their victory.
Conditions in the Kohl Center were favorable for basketball, with a supportive home crowd that likely energized the Badgers. The atmosphere contributed to Wisconsin's ability to execute their game plan effectively.
Viewers should have noted the Badgers' ability to stretch the floor with their shooting, as evidenced by the multiple three-point shots made during the game. Additionally, the defensive strategy employed by Wisconsin was effective in stifling Ball State's scoring, particularly in the second half when they pulled away decisively. Overall, the game served as a testament to Wisconsin's capabilities as they continue to build momentum in the early part of the season.
Leaders
- PointsNolan Winter19Wisconsin Badgers
- AssistsJohn Blackwell4Wisconsin Badgers
- ReboundsNolan Winter10Wisconsin Badgers
- PointsElmore James IV17Ball State Cardinals
- AssistsDevon Barnes5Ball State Cardinals
- ReboundsDavion Hill5Ball State Cardinals
Recent form
Wisconsin Badgers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W277.8 scored · 68.8 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W97-72vs Northern Illinois HuskiesNov 8
- W96-64vs Campbell Fighting CamelsNov 4
- L53-59at Michigan WolverinesMar 16
- W77-74at Michigan State SpartansMar 15
- W86-70at UCLA BruinsMar 14
- W70-63vs Northwestern WildcatsMar 13
- L75-86vs Penn State Nittany LionsMar 8
- W74-67at Minnesota Golden GophersMar 6
- L62-71at Michigan State SpartansMar 2
- W88-62vs Washington HuskiesFeb 26
Ball State Cardinals
Last 10: 5-5Streak W274.7 scored · 71.4 allowed per game0-3 away
- W84-54vs Mansfield MountaineersNov 8
- W75-64vs Louisiana Ragin' CajunsNov 4
- L66-79at Miami (OH) RedHawksMar 7
- L67-69vs Central Michigan ChippewasMar 5
- L52-61at Bowling Green FalconsMar 1
- L82-87vs Akron ZipsFeb 26
- W80-66vs Buffalo BullsFeb 22
- L66-67at Toledo RocketsFeb 19
- W89-83vs Northern Illinois HuskiesFeb 15
- W86-84vs Eastern Michigan EaglesFeb 12
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | 32-2 | - | 18-0 |
| Akron | 29-6 | 1 | 17-1 |
| Kent State | 24-10 | 4 | 14-4 |
| Toledo | 19-15 | 7 | 11-7 |
| Bowling Green | 18-14 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Ohio | 15-17 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Buffalo | 17-15 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Massachusetts | 17-16 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Ball State | 12-19 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Central Michigan | 10-21 | 12 | 6-12 |
| Western Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Eastern Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Northern Illinois | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Ball State Cardinals | Wisconsin Badgers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 18-53 | 32-64 |
| Field goal % | 34 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 7-23 | 14-38 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 37 |
| Free throws | 12-21 | 8-8 |
| Free throw % | 57 | 100 |
| Rebounds | 25 | 45 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 30 |
| Assists | 9 | 20 |
| Steals | 9 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 34 |
| Fouls | 15 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 35 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half24-39Devon Barnes made Three Point Jumper.
- 1st Half26-39Elmore James IV made Layup.
- 2nd Half26-41Nolan Winter made Layup. Assisted by Austin Rapp.
- 2nd Half26-42Nolan Winter made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half29-42Mason Jones made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Devon Barnes.
- 2nd Half29-44Andrew Rohde made Layup.
- 2nd Half31-44Devon Barnes made Layup.
- 2nd Half31-46Nick Boyd made Layup. Assisted by Andrew Rohde.
- 2nd Half31-48Nick Boyd made Layup.
- 2nd Half32-48Devon Barnes made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half33-48Devon Barnes made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half33-51John Blackwell made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half33-53Aleksas Bieliauskas made Layup. Assisted by Will Garlock.
- 2nd Half35-53Preston Copeland made Layup. Assisted by Juwan Maxey.
- 2nd Half35-54John Blackwell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half35-55John Blackwell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half35-58Nolan Winter made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by John Blackwell.
- 2nd Half36-58Armoni Zeigler made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half36-61Austin Rapp made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Braeden Carrington.
- 2nd Half36-63Braeden Carrington made Layup.
- 2nd Half36-65Nolan Winter made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half38-65Devon Barnes made Jumper.
- 2nd Half38-67Braeden Carrington made Layup. Assisted by Hayden Jones.
- 2nd Half38-70Braeden Carrington made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half38-73Andrew Rohde made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Austin Rapp.
- 2nd Half40-73Elmore James IV made Layup.
- 2nd Half41-73Elmore James IV made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half42-73Preston Copeland made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half42-76Austin Rapp made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by John Blackwell.
- 2nd Half45-76Mason Jones made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Davion Hill.
- 2nd Half47-76Elmore James IV made Layup.
- 2nd Half48-76Elmore James IV made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half48-78Jack Janicki made Layup. Assisted by John Blackwell.
- 2nd Half48-79Braeden Carrington made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half48-80Braeden Carrington made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-80Mason Jones made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Devon Barnes.
- 2nd Half52-80Preston Copeland made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-83Jack Robison made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jack Janicki.
- 2nd Half55-83Elmore James IV made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Devon Barnes.
- 2nd Half55-86Braeden Carrington made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Isaac Gard.
Win probability
Above the line favours Wisconsin Badgers, below favours Ball State Cardinals.
Venue
- Kohl CenterMadison, WI
- Attendance13909
- OfficialsKevin Brill, Mike Littlewood, Alfred Smith
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