MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin men's basketball team tips off its 2019-20 home schedule against Eastern Illinois on Friday at 7 p.m. (CT) at the Kohl Center.

1) RELIABLE REUVERS: Wisconsin is expecting big things from junior forward Nate Reuvers this season. So far, the Minnesota native looks more than up to the challenge after collecting a team-high 15 points, six rebounds and four blocks in UW's exhibition contest against UW-La Crosse on November 1. Reuvers also led the way in UW's season opener vs. #20 Saint Mary's, matching a career high with 22 points, adding 6 rebounds and 4 blocks in a career high 42 minutes. The big-man's offensive prowess is only rivaled by his blocking ability on defense. Reuvers is just 10 blocks away from becoming the 8th player in UW history to tally 100 career blocks.

2) HOME-OPENING STATEMENT: The Badgers have won 20 of their last 21 season openers dating back to 1998-99. Last season, Wisconsin opened its home slate with an 85-63 win over Coppin State. Since opening in 1998, the Kohl Center is among the toughest for road teams to come in and steal a win. UW's .853 home win percentage at the Kohl Center is tied for 9th among active venues. Gard's teams are 46-14 (.767) at the Kohl Center.

3) LAST TIME OUT: Wisconsin fell in overtime 63-65 against #20 Saint Mary's on the road Tuesday night in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. UW trailed by nine points late in the second half, before mounting a comeback to force overtime deadlocked at 54-54. In overtime, Saint Mary's freshman Kyle Bowen hit 1 of 2 free throws with 4.4 seconds remaining for the Gaels. Aleem Ford's deep 3-pointer at the buzzer fell just short giving UW a setback in its season opener. Nate Reuvers impressed in the opener, scoring 22 points and grabbing six rebounds in the loss.

4) WINNING WAYS: Including last season, Wisconsin has won at least 20 games in 15 of the last 17 years, equaling Michigan State for the most 20-win seasons in the Big Ten over that span.
 
5) DEFEND THE KOHL CENTER: Over the last 15 seasons, 194 of the Badgers' 261 home wins have come by at least 10 points (74.3 percent). Wisconsin's strength at home is fueled by its electric Kohl Center student section, AreaRED. This season, Wisconsin sold out its 2,100-person "AreaRED" student section for the seventh straight season. AreaRED is the 3rd-largest student section in the Big Ten 

LAST TIME OUT
Wisconsin 63, #20 Saint Mary's 65

• Wisconsin fell short of an overtime victory 63-65 in its season-opener against #20 Saint Mary's at the Samford Center in Sioux Falls South Dakota on Tuesday.
  • Nate Reuvers – Led the Badgers with 22 points on 8-18 shooting and six rebounds.
  • Brad Davison – Finished with 16 points and four rebounds.
• The Badgers shot 42.3% from the field while the Gaels finished at 39.3%. Saint Mary's out-rebounded Wisconsin 36-28.

SCOUTING REPORT: EASTERN ILLINOIS 
Eastern Illinois is no pushover non-conference opponent. The Panthers opened the season with an 85-60 loss at No. 12 Texas Tech, the reigning National Champion runner-ups from last season. Junior college transfer George Dixon posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Dixon was 6-of-9 from the floor adding two assists in the opener. Last season, Eastern Illinois set a school single season record for 3-pointers, knocking down an incredible 272 3-pointers. EIU does not have any freshmen or sophomores on its 2019-20 roster and entering the season will be the only team in the NCAA Division I ranks that does not have an underclassman suiting up. Guards Josiah Wallace, Mack Smith and Shareef Smith started all 32 games last season with JaQualis Matlock starting 20 games. Led by head coach Jay Spoonhour (eight seasons), the Panthers have a dynamic outside shooting game and are led by strong group of veteran players with extensive experience on the big stage.
 
SERIES VS. EASTERN ILLINOIS:

• Friday's game marks the seventh all-time meeting between Wisconsin and Eastern Illinois in a series that dates back to 1970.
• Wisconsin leads the all-time series, 5-1, and is 5-0 in games played in Madison, including an 81-47 win for the Badgers in the most recent meeting in 2003.
• UW holds a 12-1 all-time record against teams from the Ohio Valley Conference

4 MOORE

• On the night of May 25, the Wisconsin basketball family was forever changed. Assistant coach Howard Moore and his family were involved in a horrific auto accident that claimed the lives of Moore's wife, Jen, and 9-year old daughter, Jaidyn.
• His 13-year old son, Jerell, survived with minor injuries, while Moore sustained severe burns and later endured a heart attack that has left him facing a long and challenging recovery.
• Throughout the season, our team will be honoring the Moore family through a simple motto: Do Moore. Be Moore. 4 Moore.
• The number 4 represents  the four members of the family. The six words represent far more than a saying, but instead a symbol of strength and an inspiration on how to live our lives.
• Our game uniforms will feature a "4MOORE" patch, (includes the names of Jen and Jaidyn). Also featured on shooting shirts and wristbands.
• An assistance fund has been established with the name "The Howard Moore Family Fund." Text the word "MOORE," to 69050 to donate.