The Wisconsin Badgers didn’t just win at the Kohl Center on Saturday - they made a statement. After spotting Ohio State an 11-point lead early, the Badgers flipped the script with a 92-82 victory that showcased just how potent this team can be when it’s firing on all cylinders.
It marked the ninth time this season Wisconsin has cracked the 90-point threshold - a school record - and it pushed their record to 16-6 overall, 8-3 in the Big Ten. In a conference known for its grind-it-out style, the Badgers are proving they can win with tempo and firepower.
Let’s break down how Wisconsin turned an early hole into a double-digit win - and why this team is becoming a nightmare matchup for just about anyone in the Big Ten.
Austin Rapp Ignites the Turnaround
Sometimes, all it takes is one spark. On Saturday, that spark came in the form of 6-foot-10 sophomore Austin Rapp, who came off the bench and torched the Buckeyes for 19 first-half points. He didn’t just score - he completely changed the geometry of the game.
With the starters struggling to find a rhythm and Ohio State jumping out to a 15-4 lead, Rapp’s shooting stretched the floor and forced the Buckeyes’ bigs to step out of the paint. That opened up driving lanes and disrupted Ohio State’s interior defense. Rapp’s barrage from deep turned momentum in Wisconsin’s favor and helped the Badgers take a lead into halftime - a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
It’s not often you see a bench player swing a game so dramatically, but Rapp’s first-half flurry was the catalyst Wisconsin needed.
Blackwell and Boyd: Backcourt Brilliance
When your backcourt is this consistent, you’re going to win a lot of games. John Blackwell and Nick Boyd once again delivered a one-two punch that Ohio State couldn’t counter. Blackwell dropped 22 points on an ultra-efficient 8-of-13 shooting, while Boyd added 21, attacking relentlessly in the second half and keeping the Buckeyes on their heels.
This marks the sixth time this season both guards have scored 20-plus in the same game - and the Badgers are a perfect 6-0 in those contests. It’s no coincidence.
When Blackwell and Boyd are in rhythm, Wisconsin’s offense becomes incredibly tough to guard. Blackwell’s precision and Boyd’s downhill aggression complement each other perfectly, and they’ve become the engine driving this team’s offensive surge.
Winning the Battle in the Paint
Greg Gard challenged his team to be more physical - and they answered that call with authority. The Badgers outscored Ohio State 42-30 in the paint, using smart positioning, strong finishes, and relentless effort to control the interior. Even when the outside shots weren’t falling, Wisconsin’s ability to generate high-percentage looks near the rim kept the scoreboard moving.
That physicality also showed up at the free-throw line, where the Badgers were nearly automatic. They hit 19-of-21 from the stripe, a level of efficiency that helped them seal the game late and kept any Buckeye comeback hopes at bay.
The Takeaway
This wasn’t just a bounce-back win - it was a showcase of what makes Wisconsin dangerous. They can shoot the lights out, they can beat you off the dribble, and they can control the paint. And when they get contributions from role players like Rapp, they become even harder to stop.
With their ninth 90-point game of the season and another quality Big Ten win in the books, the Badgers are making it clear: this isn’t your typical grind-it-out Wisconsin team. This group can run, score, and win in a variety of ways - and that makes them a real threat as the conference race heats up.