Wisconsin Badgers vs Ball State Cardinals Picks and Predictions November 11th 2025

Game Preview – Ball State @ Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Badgers aim to continue their early-season scoring surge when they welcome the Ball State Cardinals to the Kohl Center in Madison on Tuesday night.

No. 24 Wisconsin (2-0) has opened its campaign with two offensive explosions — a 96-64 win over Campbell followed by a 97-72 rout of Northern Illinois. The Badgers are averaging nearly 97 points per game while shooting over 50% from the field, showcasing a new level of offensive tempo under head coach Greg Gard.

Transfer guard Nick Boyd has been the catalyst, scoring a career-high 25 points against Northern Illinois, including 20 in the first half. The former San Diego State standout has 46 points through two games, taking full advantage of the floor spacing created by Wisconsin’s deep roster.

“They’ve got to respect my teammates so much,” Boyd said. “It gives me the space to fly down the court and just play.”

Sophomore John Blackwell (23.0 PPG) and forward Nolan Winter (14.5 PPG, 9.5 RPG) have also made major impacts early. Wisconsin, which led the nation in free throw percentage last season at 82.6%, remains elite at the line, shooting 80.4% through two contests.

Ball State (2-0) has also started strong, albeit against lighter competition. The Cardinals handled Division II Mansfield 85-54 after a 75-64 win over Louisiana. Head coach Michael Lewis, who brought in 10 new players this season, is still shaping his rotation but has found consistency through guards Armoni Zeigler (16.5 PPG) and Davion Hill (16.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG).

Line Movement and Odds

Wisconsin opened as a heavy favorite at -25.5 with the total set at 153.5 points.

Market	Current Line
Spread	Wisconsin -25.5 (-111) / Ball State +25.5 (-112)
Total (O/U)	153.5 Points
Moneyline	Wisconsin -10000 / Ball State +2500

Check the latest odds and movement on the college basketball odds board.

Wisconsin Outlook

The Badgers’ revamped lineup has been one of the most efficient offenses in college basketball through two games. They rank among the top 10 nationally in scoring, shooting, and free throw percentage. Wisconsin has also taken care of the basketball, committing only nine turnovers in each of their first two games while forcing 35.

Nick Boyd’s arrival has added speed and scoring depth to a traditionally methodical Wisconsin system. His transition game has meshed well with Blackwell’s perimeter shooting and Winter’s rebounding dominance.

At home, Wisconsin has been dominant — 2-0 straight up and 2-0 against the spread. Their ability to punish opponents on the glass and convert at the line makes them a near lock against mid-major opponents.

Wisconsin Injury Report

No major injuries reported.

Ball State Outlook

Ball State’s offense has shown flashes of efficiency early, shooting 51.4% from the field and 38% from three. Zeigler and Hill form a capable backcourt tandem, combining for over 32 points per game. Forward Cam Jenson (12.0 PPG) and Elmore James (10.0 PPG) add balance to a lineup that can spread the floor.

Defensively, the Cardinals will be tested by Wisconsin’s inside-out attack. Ball State’s rotation lacks the size to consistently contest shots near the rim, but their pace and shooting could keep them in contention to cover the large spread.

Ball State Injury Report

No major injuries reported.

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

Wisconsin’s interior presence and rebounding edge will dictate this matchup. The Badgers’ 64-24 rebounding advantage in their last game showed how overwhelming they can be in the paint. Ball State must rely on its perimeter shooting and transition offense to stay within striking distance.

If Wisconsin forces turnovers early, the game could get out of hand before halftime. Ball State’s ability to slow tempo and find rhythm from three-point range will determine whether they can hang around or get buried early.

For matchup stats and pace-based projections, see the NCAAB expert betting guide.

Betting Trends

• Wisconsin is 2-0 ATS this season.
• The Badgers are 7-1 ATS in their last eight home games.
• Ball State is 4-2 ATS in its last six road games.
• The over is 6-2 in Wisconsin’s last eight home contests.
• Ball State has gone over in three of its last four games.

Track betting splits and picks at college basketball picks.

Prediction

Wisconsin’s scoring balance, size, and efficiency make them nearly unbeatable at home against mid-major competition. Ball State’s outside shooting might provide an early spark, but the Badgers’ depth and rebounding should take control by halftime.

Projected Score: Wisconsin 98, Ball State 70
Best Bet: Wisconsin -25.5
Total Lean: Over 153.5

Read more insights in the college basketball expert betting guide.

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