The Wisconsin Badgers didn’t just win a basketball game at the Kohl Center - they authored one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the history of their Border Battle rivalry with Minnesota. Down 18 at halftime, looking out of sync and out of sorts, the Badgers stormed back to stun the Gophers 67-63 in a second-half masterclass that showcased resilience, shot-making, and a whole lot of grit.
This wasn’t just a comeback. It was a statement. A record-setting 11th straight win over Minnesota, and a reminder that when Wisconsin locks in, their ceiling is as high as anyone’s in the Big Ten.
Let’s break down how it happened - and why this one will be remembered for a long time in Madison.
John Blackwell: From Cold Start to Clutch Closer
John Blackwell’s first half? Rough.
One-for-eight from the field. Three turnovers.
He looked frustrated, rushed, and out of rhythm - the kind of performance that can bury a team on the road.
But the second half? That was something else entirely.
Blackwell flipped the switch and turned into the closer Wisconsin needed, finishing with a game-high 23 points. He scored the team’s final seven points, including a dagger three with 19 seconds left that all but sealed the win and silenced the Gopher crowd. It was the kind of shot that doesn’t just win games - it defines them.
When Blackwell plays with that edge, with that “give me the ball and get out of the way” mentality, he’s one of the most dangerous guards in the conference. He didn’t just lead the comeback - he owned it.
Nick Boyd Ignites the Rally
While Blackwell finished it, Nick Boyd sparked it.
After a quiet first half, Boyd erupted for 19 of his 21 points in the second, attacking the rim with purpose and putting constant pressure on Minnesota’s defense. His downhill drives forced the Gophers to collapse, opening up space for shooters and shifting the momentum in a way that was impossible to ignore.
Boyd’s energy was contagious. His urgency became Wisconsin’s identity in the second half.
And when you pair his aggressive mindset with Blackwell’s shot-making? That’s a backcourt duo that can swing games - and seasons.
On any given night, those two can combine for 40-plus. That’s a scary thought for anyone trying to game plan against the Badgers.
Winning Ugly - and Winning at the Line
In the first half, Wisconsin looked like a team searching for answers. They settled for tough jumpers, got bullied inside, and let Minnesota control the tempo.
But after the break, the Badgers got back to basics - and back to their identity. They attacked the paint, embraced contact, and started living at the free-throw line.
The result? A 16-6 advantage in made free throws that helped fuel the comeback.
That shift wasn’t just about scoring. It put Minnesota’s already thin frontcourt in foul trouble and allowed Wisconsin to set their defense - a defense that locked in and held the Gophers to just 28 points in the second half.
The Badgers didn’t need to be pretty. They just needed to be tougher. And in the second half, they were.
This was more than a win. It was a gut-check, a momentum-builder, and a potential turning point for a team that’s starting to show it can win in more ways than one. The swing offense might not have been firing on all cylinders, but Wisconsin found another gear - and that gear might just carry them deep into March.