Wisconsin Holds Off Ohio State Behind Austin Rapp’s Breakout Night, 92-82
The Kohl Center was rocking, and for good reason. Wisconsin, fresh off a nail-biting win over Minnesota, returned home and delivered a statement victory over a gritty Ohio State squad, 92-82. This wasn’t just another conference win-it was a game that showed the Badgers’ depth, resilience, and maybe even a little March potential.
Let’s start with the headline: Austin Rapp. The junior forward hadn’t exactly been lighting it up lately-he came into the night riding a rough 4-for-21 slump from deep and had recently been moved to the bench.
But when Wisconsin needed a spark, Rapp delivered in a big way. He dropped 19 points, grabbed six boards, and knocked down five threes, looking every bit like the confident shooter who scored 18 against Central Michigan back in December.
It was the kind of performance that can swing a season-and maybe even a rotation.
Rapp’s performance came at a crucial time, too. With Andrew Rohde sidelined due to injury, freshman Jack Janicki stepped into the starting lineup.
Janicki didn’t fill up the box score-two points, one rebound, three assists in 18 minutes-but he held his own and kept the offense flowing. Sometimes, that’s all you need from a next-man-up.
Of course, the engine behind Wisconsin’s offense continues to be the backcourt duo of John Blackwell and Nick Boyd. These two have been nothing short of electric, and they were at it again against the Buckeyes.
They combined for 43 points, five rebounds, and six assists, and made their presence felt at the free throw line, cashing in 13 points from the stripe. Boyd’s speed and floor spacing have become a real asset for this team, while Blackwell’s scoring consistency is turning heads-he’s now hit the 20-point mark in back-to-back games for the third time this season.
Aleksas Bieliauskas also chipped in with a strong all-around game, finishing with 10 points, seven rebounds, and a block. What stood out?
His free throw shooting. Bieliauskas had attempted just eight free throws all season, averaging less than one trip to the line per game.
Against Ohio State, he got to the stripe and knocked down four, showing a more aggressive edge that could add another layer to his game.
Ohio State didn’t go quietly. The Buckeyes came out swinging, jumping to a 15-4 lead early in the first half, and looked ready to steal one on the road.
But Wisconsin responded with a 7-2 run that settled things down, and from there, the Badgers took control. Ohio State kept pushing in the second half, but every time they made a run, Wisconsin had an answer.
And that’s what made this win so important. Both teams came into the game hovering around that eight-seed territory in early bracket projections.
For Ohio State, this was a chance to snag a quality road win. For Wisconsin, it was about holding serve at home-and they did just that.
Now comes the real test. The Badgers’ next five games are a gauntlet: at Indiana, at Illinois, home against Michigan State, then back on the road for a rematch with Ohio State before returning home to face Iowa. That stretch could define their season.
But if Wisconsin can keep getting production from its stars, and role players like Rapp continue to rise to the occasion, this team might be built for the grind. The Big Ten doesn’t give you many breathers, and the Badgers just proved they’re ready for the fight.