The Wisconsin Badgers welcomed the Ohio State Buckeyes to the Kohl Center and delivered a statement performance, overcoming an early 11-point deficit to outpace the Buckeyes 92–82.
After falling behind 15–4 in the opening minutes, Wisconsin showcased its explosive offensive ceiling, hitting the 90-point mark for a school-record ninth time this season. The victory moved the Badgers to 16–6 (8–3 Big Ten) and reinforced their status as one of the most dangerous scoring teams in the conference.
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Here are three reasons why the Badgers pulled away for the double-digit victory.
The Austin Rapp First-Half Flurry
While the starters struggled to find their rhythm early, Austin Rapp provided a massive spark off the bench that completely shifted the game’s momentum. The 6-foot-10 sophomore scored all 19 of his points in the first half, including a barrage of three-pointers that turned an 11-point deficit into a halftime lead.
Rapp’s ability to stretch the floor forced the Buckeyes to pull their rim protectors away from the hoop, opening up the lanes for the rest of the afternoon.
Backcourt Dominance: The Blackwell & Boyd Show
Once again, the duo of John Blackwell (22 points) and Nick Boyd (21 points) proved to be too much for an opposing backcourt to handle. This marked the sixth time this season that both guards have scored 20+ points in the same game, a scenario in which the Badgers remain a perfect 6-0.
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Blackwell was surgically efficient, shooting 8-of-13 from the field, while Boyd’s aggressive downhill play in the second half ensured the Buckeyes could never mount a serious comeback.
Interior Physicality and Paint Production
Head coach Greg Gard challenged his team to be the more physical side, and they responded by dominating the area near the rim. Wisconsin outscored Ohio State 42–30 in the paint, a decisive margin that allowed them to maintain their lead even during outside shooting lulls.
This physicality extended to the free-throw line, where the Badgers were nearly automatic, converting 19-of-21 attempts to ice the game late.
