The University of Wisconsin men’s Basketball team (14-6, 6-3 Big Ten) took on the University of Minnesota (10-10, 3-6 Big Ten) at the Kohl Center on Wednesday night. The Badgers looked to rebound from their loss to the University of Southern California Sunday.
A lack of finishing at the rim by the Badgers pushed Minnesota ahead early in the first half. The Badgers struggled to put points on the board, scoring six points with under 14 minutes to play.
The Badgers’ empty possessions combined with a lack of defensive hustle put them in a 14-point deficit with 10 minutes left to go in the half. Throughout the half, the Badgers struggled on both ends of the court, giving up eight turnovers.
Junior Bobby Durkin led the scoring for the Gophers, finishing the half by scoring a 3-pointer and totaling 17 points, putting the Gophers up 35-17 over the Badgers.
Starting the second half, the Badgers started hot with an offense run going on 9-0. Wisconsin continued its offensive attack, putting up 20 points in the opening 10 minutes of the second half. Minnesota battled against the shot clock, leading to numerous empty possessions.
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Senior Nick Boyd and junior John Blackwell took charge for Wisconsin, scoring 21 of the Badgers’ 27 points, creating high energy during the second half.
A high-energy crowd at the Kohl Center pushed the Badgers to climb ahead 57-56 with just under five minutes to play.
With under a minute left to play, Blackwell looked to bring it home for Wisconsin, going 2-2 from the line before draining a 3-pointer.
The final score for the night had Wisconsin taking the win 67-63. This win against Minnesota marks the second border battle win of the season so far.
The Badgers look to continue their momentum as they prepare for their next opponent, Ohio State, at home Jan. 31.