Iowa vs. Wisconsin: A Big Ten Basketball Battle
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Badgers are gearing up for a crucial contest against their rivals, the Iowa Hawkeyes, this Sunday at the Kohl Center. This Iowa vs. Wisconsin matchup promises excitement as both teams look to solidify their positions in the Big Ten standings.
Badgers Look to Rebound
Wisconsin comes into the game after a tough road loss to Ohio State (86-69) on Tuesday, ending a two-game winning streak that included impressive victories over Illinois and Michigan State. Despite the setback, the Badgers (18-8, 10-5 Big Ten) maintain a strong resume, being one of only four teams nationally with three wins against top-10 opponents.
Key Stats and Rankings
- Record: Wisconsin (18-8, 10-5 Big Ten)
- WAB Ranking: 26th in NCAA Wins Above Bubble
- Strength of Record: 31st nationally
- NET Ranking: 8-8 in Quadrant 1 & 2 games
Iowa’s Momentum
The Hawkeyes are also entering the game with momentum, having secured a significant 57-52 win over No. 9 Nebraska on Tuesday. Iowa’s performance places them 37th in the WAB and 30th in strength of record. This Iowa vs Wisconsin game is a clash of two teams on the rise.
Head-to-Head History
Wisconsin holds a narrow 91-86 series lead over Iowa, having won six of their last seven encounters. Last season, the Badgers swept the series, with a dominant 116-85 victory in Madison and a 74-63 win in Iowa City. The 116-point game at the Kohl Center set a venue record and broke the Big Ten single-game three-point record with 21 triples.
Players to Watch
Iowa is led by first-year head coach Ben McCollum and standout guard Bennett Stirtz, who averages 20.5 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. For Wisconsin, Braeden Carrington has emerged as a key offensive spark, consistently hitting three-pointers and averaging 12.1 points in road games.
Game Details & How to Watch
- Date: February 22, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM CT
- Location: Kohl Center, Madison, WI
- TV: FoxSports1 (Jack Kizer and Nick Bahe)
- Radio: Badger Radio Network (Matt Lepay and Brian Butch)
- Tickets: Sold out, but available on SeatGeek.com
Looking Ahead
This game is crucial for Wisconsin as they aim for their 11th Big Ten win and a winning conference record – a feat they’ve achieved in 22 of the last 25 seasons. Following this Iowa vs. Wisconsin battle, the Badgers will embark on a West Coast trip to face Oregon and Washington before returning home for Senior Night against Maryland and concluding the regular season at Purdue.
Don’t miss the action as these two Big Ten powerhouses collide!
