1. ALL TIME vs. SMU

The Badgers have faced the Mustangs a total of seven times, making Wednesday's contest their eighth meeting. Wisconsin holds a 4-3 all-time series lead against SMU. The last time these two programs faced was back on Dec. 3, 1991. That game saw the Badgers fall 64-66.

Fun fact, Wisconsin's single-game scoring record is against SMU. The Badgers scored 120 points against the Stallion on Dec. 9, 1967, with that 120-82 win still holding as UW's program record. 

2. SCOUTING THE OPPONENT

SMU is 4-1 to start the season and took down West Virginia, 70-58, in its semifinal game of the Fort Myers Tip-Off on Monday. 

Despite being outscored 36-25 in the first half, the Mustangs had a big second half to secure the win. In the second half, SMU outscored West Virginia, 45-22. Junior Zhuric Phelps dropped 17 points, while senior Chuck Harris scored 12. 

The Mustangs have cracked 60 points in all five of their games so far. Phelps is averaging 14.2 points on the season and Harris is averaging 13.8 points. 

3. CROWL DOMINATES

Steven Crowl had himself a day against Virginia. The junior forward started out the game with seven points and five rebounds within the first seven minutes of play. He finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, recording his fifth career double-double in the win. 

The big-man adds another dimension to the Badgers when on the floor. His 15 points against Virginia was his third game of the season where he dropped 10 or more points. He is currently averaging 11.6 points and 7.2 rebounds so far this season. 

4. BADGER BALANCE

Wisconsin is one of 12 teams in the country this season to boast a top-25 offense and defense, according to KenPom.com.

The Badgers rank 21st overall on offense and 25th overall in defense.

Through 5 games, Wisconsin is off to a fast start offensively, improving from a season ago in almost every category. The Badgers are averaging 75.4 ppg and shooting 46.2% from the field. Those numbers are up from 65.3 ppg and 41.4% shooting last season.

UW is averaging 22.6 free throw attempts per game, while connecting on 71.7% from the stripe. Compared to last season, the Badgers are attempting 8 more FTs per game this year (14.3 FTAs per game in 2022-23).

Wisconsin is also playing at its fastest tempo
in many years, averaging 69.4 possessions per
game. Last season, the Badgers averaged 65.7.

5. NOVEMBER TOURNAMENTS

Wisconsin has played in a non-conference November tournament 17 of the last 18 seasons. UW owns a combined record of 29-13 (.690) in November tournaments since 2005.

On Wednesday in the Fort Myers Tip-Off championship, the Badgers are seeking their sixth holiday tournament title. Most recently, UW claimed the 2021 Maui Invitational title in Las Vegas.