Guards John Blackwell and Nick Boyd have been lighting up the scoreboard for Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament at the United Center in Chicago. Averaging a combined 63 points over the first two games, these two have been the driving force behind the Badgers' impressive run.
With a semifinal clash against No. 2 Michigan looming, Wisconsin, currently ranked No. 23 with a 24-9 record, might need another stellar performance from this dynamic duo to pull off a second victory over the Wolverines this season.
Boyd and Blackwell were sensational in their recent 91-88 overtime thriller against No. 9 Illinois, where Boyd notched a career-high 38 points.
This followed Blackwell’s 34-point explosion against Washington, setting and then breaking the team’s scoring record for a Big Ten Tournament game.
Taking on Michigan is no small feat. The Wolverines have been a powerhouse this season, boasting a 30-2 record and dominating the league with 17 wins out of 18 games.
Their only stumble came against Wisconsin, making this matchup all the more intriguing. Michigan's resume includes 24 victories by double digits and five wins over top-10 teams, showcasing their formidable presence.
For fans eager to catch the action, the Wisconsin vs. Michigan semifinal tips off at noon CT on CBS, with streaming available via the CBS Sports app and Paramount Plus. Fubo offers a streaming option as well, complete with a free trial for newcomers.
Announcers Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery, Grant Hill, and Tracy Wolfson will bring the game to life on TV, while Matt Lepay and Brian Butch handle radio duties on WOKY (920 AM) and a statewide network. SiriusXM listeners can tune in on Channel 84.
Michigan is favored by 12.5 points, with an over/under set at 160.5, according to BetMGM. The moneyline sees Michigan at -900 and Wisconsin at +600.
Should Wisconsin advance, they’ll face either Purdue or UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament final on March 15 at 2:30 p.m. CT. But first, all eyes are on the showdown with Michigan, where Blackwell and Boyd will look to continue their scoring heroics and keep the Badgers’ championship dreams alive.