Wisconsin opens 2026-27 exhibition slate with 94-71 win over UW-Parkside

Wisconsin started its 2026-27 exhibition season the way it wanted to, with a 94-71 victory over UW-Parkside at the Kohl Center. The game served as an early measuring stick for a roster still taking shape, and the Badgers leaned on efficient offense and a more structured defensive approach to keep separation from an overmatched opponent.

One of the clearest themes for Wisconsin was depth. The Badgers got points from all 11 players who saw significant minutes, with five Wisconsin scorers finishing in double figures. That kind of contribution matters in early exhibitions because it can reveal how quickly different lineups are able to play together without needing a single primary option to carry the load.

Nolan Winter provided a focal point inside. Preseason All-Big Ten selection Winter led the Badgers with 15 points and nine rebounds, flashing the kind of production Wisconsin needs from its center position. The report noted that Winter missed most of the offseason conditioning while recovering from ankle surgery, but still looked refreshed after playing 22 minutes, suggesting his return to game rhythm is progressing.

Eian Elmer, a prized transfer portal acquisition, also made an immediate impact. Elmer scored 14 points in the win, giving Wisconsin another interior and wing-capable piece to pair with Winter’s production. In an exhibition opener, that matters because it demonstrates the spacing and shot-making options Wisconsin can create when multiple players are comfortable handling the ball and finishing scoring chances.

The scoreline reflected a controlled exhibition tempo rather than a prolonged struggle. Wisconsin’s ability to turn scoring opportunities efficiently and limit breakdowns helped it build and maintain a lead throughout the afternoon. For a team working through early-season rotations, keeping a stable defensive posture is often the difference between looking organized and looking ad hoc, especially when the opponent is entering with less personnel talent.

The Badgers’ three-game exhibition stretch continues after this opening win, and the next games will likely offer a sharper test of how their defensive identity holds up against better resistance. Winter’s minutes and overall feel will be something to track as he continues to move past the offseason recovery, while Elmer’s integration will be evaluated in larger, more complex defensive looks.

For UW-Parkside, the result was the expected end of a difficult matchup, but the exhibition still functions as an on-court opportunity for Wisconsin’s younger combinations and new roles. For Wisconsin, the takeaway is the same: the foundations look solid early, and now the staff can refine matchups, rotations, and defensive communication before the regular season begins.