Everyone was expecting there to be growing pains for this young Wisconsin team this season, but you’d be hard pressed to find anyone that predicted the result of Saturday’s season opener in Madison.
Western Illinois stunned No. 17 Wisconsin 69-67 at the Kohl Center on a night where last year’s record-setting team was honored.
Fans were treated to a pregame ceremony that saw a Final Four banner raised for a second straight year. But over the next two hours, they were given a harsh reminder about the uncertainly that lies ahead for these new-look Badgers.
Wisconsin struggled mightily on defense all night and failed to generate much offense in the second half.