Wisconsin Hosts Fairfield After Defensive Start

Wisconsin enters Tuesday’s game 2-0 after opening its season with wins over Denver and Delaware. The Badgers host Fairfield, which is 1-1, at 7:30 p.m. Central at Madison, Wisconsin. The game will air on Big Ten Network, with radio coverage available through the Badger Radio Network and Sirius XM Channel 262.

Wisconsin has relied on its defense so far, allowing an average of 66 points in its first two games. Opponents have shot 39.6% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range against the Badgers, who are forcing 12.5 turnovers and recording four blocks per game. Wisconsin is averaging 83 points per game, though its offense has yet to reach the level it showed last season.

Coach Greg Gard said the team has responded to the emphasis on defense and that this season’s roster has different players and roles. He expects the Badgers to improve offensively as the season progresses.

Fairfield is coming off a 68-59 win at Bryant on Sunday. The Stags forced 20 turnovers and recorded 17 steals, their most in a game since 2012. Coach Chris Casey said the defense helped the team seize momentum, while noting that Fairfield still has work to do during its nonconference schedule.

Wisconsin won the only previous regular-season meeting, 76-55, in Madison on December 31, 1992. The Badgers were 15-2 at home last season and finished 24-11 overall; Fairfield went 21-13 overall and 7-8 on the road.