Wisconsin Badgers basketball is dealing with their first COVID-related issue of the season. The much-anticipated ACC/Big Ten Challenge game between Louisville and Wisconsin is postponed for now. Louisville is dealing with some COVID issues in their program, but they have not enacted a 14-day pause. Badgers wasted no time in finding a new opponent for Wednesday afternoon. And they did not schedule a cupcake opponent either. They’ll be taking on Rhode Island on Wednesday. This is a good matchup for the Badgers that will help their resume.

SCHEDULE UPDATE

Wednesday's game vs. Louisville has been postponed. Both school are working to explore an alternative date.

The Badgers will host Rhode Island this Wednesday at the Kohl Center. Tip set for 3:30 PM (CT) on Big Ten Network.https://t.co/tokMOQGcxS

— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) December 7, 2020

Rhode Island is already battle-tested this season. They played Seton Hall, Boston College, Arizona State already this season. They have a Van Wilder candidate in Fatts Russell who is in his 8th year of eligibility. The size of Russell will actually play into the hands of D’Mitrik Trice. Rhode Island also has the Mitchell twins who transferred from Maryland. KenPom projects Wisconsin to win by nine points in this one, so, the projections do not expect this one to be too close. Wisconsin is also chartering Rhode Island’s flight to play at the Kohl Center which is a great gesture on their part.

Wisconsin and Louisville still might play on Sunday. They’ve thrown around that idea, but nothing has been confirmed on this end. Badgers play Northern Iowa next Wednesday which is their last non-conference matchup before conference play ramps up. We’ll see if that can happen with the Cardinals’ COVID issues. Most college basketball fans would likely be interested in a Wisconsin-Louisville showdown.

Charlie.