As the NCAA Tournament tips off, Wisconsin basketball is entering the fray with high hopes for a deep run. The Badgers have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, notching four impressive wins against top-10 teams, including triumphs over No.
2 Michigan and No. 8 Illinois.
Despite a shaky start in nonconference play, Wisconsin found its groove in the Big Ten, closing out the season with five wins in their last six games and boasting a strong 15-5 record since their early January loss to Purdue.
At the heart of Wisconsin's success are star guards Nick Boyd and John Blackwell. Their dynamic play is likely to determine whether the Badgers can break their nine-year Sweet Sixteen drought.
Boyd has been a standout, averaging 20.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting an impressive 48% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc. Blackwell isn't far behind, contributing 19 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
Their impact was on full display during the Big Ten Tournament. Blackwell set a program record with 34 points against the Huskies in a nail-biting 85-82 victory. Not to be outdone, Boyd followed up with a 38-point performance in a thrilling 91-88 overtime win against Illinois.
Their dominance hasn’t gone unnoticed. Michigan coach Dusty May, whose Wolverines fell to Wisconsin, praised the duo on FS1, calling them potentially the best backcourt in college basketball.
With the first-round matchup against High Point looming on Thursday afternoon, Wisconsin's hopes rest on Boyd and Blackwell continuing their stellar play. In March Madness, guard play is often the key to success, and Wisconsin seems well-equipped to make a significant impact this year.