Wisconsin cruises to 79-47 win over Central Arkansas

MADISON — Bronson Koenig had 16 points, Nigel Hayes scored 10 of his 14 in the second half and No. 9 Wisconsin opened a season of high expectations with a 79-47 win Friday night over Central Arkansas.

The Badgers were never seriously threatened after building a 20-point lead with 15:46 left following an 8-0 run. Hayes did all the scoring with two 3s and a layup.

The Big Ten preseason player of the year was 5 of 10 from the field. He finished 2 for 6 from 3-point range after missing his first three shots from behind the arc.