clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

GAME THREAD: No. 17 Wisconsin Badgers vs. Western Illinois Leathernecks

If you can't celebrate the raising of a Final Four banner live at the Kohl Center tonight, come chat with us as Wisconsin raises on the curtain on the 2015-16 season.

By Phil Mitten
Graphic: Phil Mitten
Graphic: Phil Mitten

Western Illinois head coach Billy Wright enters his second season with the Leathernecks after an 8-20 debut. He brought aboard former Badger forward Mark Vershaw as an assistant this season. WIU star Garret Covington's sister, Anya, is an assistant coach on the Wisconsin women's team and former Badger.

Bo Ryan has guided Wisconsin to 13 consecutive season opening wins.

Projected Starting Lineups

Western Illinois Pos. Wisconsin
Brandon Gilbeck, Fr. C / F Ethan Happ, Fr.
Tate Stensgaard, Sr. F Vitto Brown, Jr.
Garret Covington, Jr. F Nigel Hayes, Jr.
J.C. Fuller, Sr. G Zak Showalter, Jr.
Jabari Sandifer, Jr. G Bronson Koenig, Jr.

KenPom win probability: 97% (77-56 W) 65 possessions

Broadcast Info

TV: BTN
Radio: Badger Radio Network (Matt Lepay, Mike Lucas), Sirius/XM ch. 84

Links you might like:

* Return to Kohl Center has Mark Vershaw feeling nostalgic (Wisconsin State Journal)
* Men's Basketball Cruises Past Knox College in WIU's Lone Exhibition (GoLeathernecks.com)

* Game Notes: Wisconsin | Western Illinois

More From Bucky's 5th Quarter