Wisconsin Badgers Look to Rebound Against Iowa Hawkeyes

Greg Gard previews Sunday's Big Ten matchup after Badgers' loss to Ohio State

Feb. 20, 2026 at 10:53pm

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Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard addressed the media on Friday to preview the Badgers' upcoming matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes on Sunday. The Badgers are looking to bounce back after a tough 86-69 loss to Ohio State earlier this week, while the Hawkeyes are coming off a big upset win over 9th-ranked Nebraska.

Why it matters

This is an important Big Ten conference game for both teams as they look to position themselves for the postseason. The Badgers will be seeking revenge after losing to Iowa twice last season, while the Hawkeyes will try to build on their momentum from the upset win over Nebraska.

The details

The Badgers and Hawkeyes will meet for the only scheduled matchup of the regular season on Sunday at the Kohl Center in Madison. Wisconsin won both meetings against Iowa last season, winning 74-63 in Iowa City and 116-85 in Madison.

  • The game is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. tip-off on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Wisconsin is coming off a 86-69 loss to Ohio State on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Iowa is coming off a 59-52 upset win over 9th-ranked Nebraska on February 18, 2026.

The players

Greg Gard

The head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team.

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What’s next

The winner of this game will gain an important conference win and momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The takeaway

This Big Ten matchup between the Badgers and Hawkeyes is a crucial game for both teams as they look to position themselves for the postseason. Wisconsin will be seeking redemption after losing to Iowa twice last season, while the Hawkeyes will try to build on their recent upset win over a ranked opponent.