Wisconsin Badgers Defeat Northwestern Wildcats 85-73
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 9:00 PM ET · Kohl Center
Wisconsin Badgers 85, Northwestern Wildcats 73, 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 Northwestern Wildcats vs Wisconsin Badgers?
Wisconsin Badgers beat Northwestern Wildcats 85-73 at Kohl Center on December 3, 2025.
Who was favored in Northwestern Wildcats vs Wisconsin Badgers?
Wisconsin Badgers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -575 (about 85% implied). The favorite won.
In an exciting matchup at the Kohl Center, the Wisconsin Badgers secured a solid victory over the Northwestern Wildcats with a final score of 85-73. This win extends Wisconsin's home record to 7-3 over their last ten games, showcasing their strength on their home court. The Badgers have now improved their overall record to 7-2 for the season, while the Wildcats fall to 5-4 after this contest.
The Badgers entered the game with a home record of 5-0, demonstrating their dominance at Kohl Center. However, they were coming off a loss against TCU, which snapped a winning streak. In their last five games, Wisconsin had a record of 3-2, averaging 83.4 points per game while allowing 75.8 points. Their scoring prowess was evident in their previous home games, where they consistently put up high scores, including a recent 104-point performance against Providence.
On the other side, the Northwestern Wildcats had a record of 6-4 in their last ten games leading into this matchup. They faced a setback in their most recent game against Oklahoma State, losing 81-86. The Wildcats' away record stands at 2-3, and they have averaged 85.8 points in their last five games, while allowing 77.6 points. Despite their offensive capabilities, they struggled to maintain consistency on the road.
Historically, the Badgers have had the upper hand in recent meetings against the Wildcats, winning both encounters this season. In their previous matchups, Wisconsin emerged victorious with scores of 70-63 and 75-69, indicating a trend of competitive play between these two teams.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant absences affecting either team for this game, allowing both squads to field their best players. This absence of injury concerns likely contributed to the intensity of the matchup, as both teams sought to capitalize on their full rosters.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Wisconsin favored by 10.5 points, with a total set at 155.5. The odds reflected confidence in the Badgers' ability to perform well at home, while also acknowledging the competitive nature of the Wildcats.
Conditions during the game were typical for a winter evening in Wisconsin, with fans filling the Kohl Center to support their team. The atmosphere was charged, and the home crowd played a crucial role in energizing the Badgers throughout the contest.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a series of impressive plays. Notable scoring plays included a jumper by Arrinten Page, assisted by Jordan Clayton, and a layup by Nick Boyd, which contributed to the Badgers' lead. The final moments of the game saw Wisconsin maintain control, with key free throws and layups sealing their victory.
Overall, the matchup highlighted the strengths of both teams, with Wisconsin showcasing their home advantage and offensive capabilities, while Northwestern aimed to improve their performance on the road. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances and address any weaknesses identified in this contest.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WIS -10.5 | 155.5 o -110 / u -110 | Northwestern Wildcats +425 · Wisconsin Badgers -575 |
Leaders
- PointsJohn Blackwell26Wisconsin Badgers
- AssistsAndrew Rohde9Wisconsin Badgers
- ReboundsJohn Blackwell11Wisconsin Badgers
- PointsArrinten Page21Northwestern Wildcats
- AssistsJordan Clayton4Northwestern Wildcats
- ReboundsTre Singleton10Northwestern Wildcats
Recent form
Wisconsin Badgers
Last 10: 7-3Streak L182.6 scored · 71.8 allowed per game5-0 at home
- L63-74at TCU Horned FrogsNov 28
- W104-83vs Providence FriarsNov 27
- L70-98at BYU CougarsNov 21
- W94-69vs SIU Edwardsville CougarsNov 18
- W86-55vs Ball State CardinalsNov 12
- 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
Northwestern Wildcats
Last 10: 6-4Streak L177.1 scored · 69.5 allowed per game2-3 away
- L81-86vs Oklahoma State CowboysNov 28
- W79-77vs South Carolina GamecocksNov 23
- L78-83at Virginia CavaliersNov 21
- W81-79at DePaul Blue DemonsNov 15
- W110-63vs Cleveland State VikingsNov 11
- W76-52vs Boston University TerriersNov 7
- W70-47vs Mercyhurst LakersNov 4
- L63-70at Wisconsin BadgersMar 13
- W72-64at Minnesota Golden GophersMar 12
- L61-74at Maryland TerrapinsMar 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Northwestern Wildcats | Wisconsin Badgers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-59 | 28-64 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 4-19 | 11-31 |
| Three-point % | 21 | 35 |
| Free throws | 19-23 | 18-21 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 86 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 20 |
| Assists | 15 | 19 |
| Steals | 3 | 7 |
| Blocks | 4 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 22 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 32 |
| Fouls | 18 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 27 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 2 | 96 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half36-60Nick Boyd made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Andrew Rohde.
- 2nd Half37-60Tre Singleton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half38-60Tre Singleton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half39-60Jordan Clayton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half39-62Nick Boyd made Layup.
- 2nd Half39-63Nick Boyd made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half41-63Jayden Reid made Jumper.
- 2nd Half43-63Arrinten Page made Dunk. Assisted by Jayden Reid.
- 2nd Half43-65Nolan Winter made Dunk. Assisted by Nick Boyd.
- 2nd Half43-67Nick Boyd made Layup.
- 2nd Half45-67Nick Martinelli made Jumper.
- 2nd Half45-68Nick Boyd made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half45-69Nick Boyd made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-69Arrinten Page made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half47-69Arrinten Page made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half49-69Arrinten Page made Jumper.
- 2nd Half49-71John Blackwell made Layup.
- 2nd Half49-72John Blackwell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-72Tyler Kropp made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-72Tyler Kropp made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half53-72Jordan Clayton made Layup. Assisted by K.J. Windham.
- 2nd Half56-72Jordan Clayton made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half56-73Nolan Winter made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-74Nolan Winter made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-74Arrinten Page made Jumper. Assisted by Jayden Reid.
- 2nd Half58-76Nick Boyd made Layup.
- 2nd Half58-78Nick Boyd made Layup.
- 2nd Half60-78Arrinten Page made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half61-78Arrinten Page made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half61-81Austin Rapp made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Andrew Rohde.
- 2nd Half63-81Jordan Clayton made Layup.
- 2nd Half64-81Jordan Clayton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half66-81Arrinten Page made Jumper. Assisted by Jordan Clayton.
- 2nd Half68-81Nick Martinelli made Jumper. Assisted by Jordan Clayton.
- 2nd Half68-83Nick Boyd made Layup.
- 2nd Half69-83Arrinten Page made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half70-83Arrinten Page made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half70-85Nick Boyd made Layup.
- 2nd Half71-85Nick Martinelli made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half73-85Tyler Kropp made Two Point Tip Shot.
Win probability
Above the line favours Wisconsin Badgers, below favours Northwestern Wildcats.
Venue
- Kohl CenterMadison, WI
- Attendance14345
- OfficialsD.J. Carstensen, Tim Comer, Keith Kimble
Elsewhere
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- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond