Imagine this: the clock is ticking down, the score is tied, and the entire arena is on the edge of their seats. Then, in a heart-stopping moment, John Blackwell launches a 3-pointer at the buzzer, sealing Wisconsin's 78-75 victory over Minnesota—their 10th straight win against the Golden Gophers. But here's where it gets controversial: Was this a testament to Wisconsin's resilience, or did Minnesota let this one slip away? Let’s dive into the game that had fans buzzing long after the final buzzer.
On January 13, 2026, in Minneapolis, Blackwell emerged as the hero, scoring 27 points and hitting that clutch shot to erase an 11-point second-half deficit. His performance was nothing short of stellar—8 of 14 from the field, 5 of 7 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. And this is the part most people miss: Blackwell also chipped in six rebounds and five assists, proving he’s more than just a scorer. Cade Tyson, who scored 14 points, nearly played spoiler with a game-tying 3-pointer just seconds before Blackwell’s winner.
Wisconsin’s bench stepped up in a big way, with Braeden Carrington delivering a career night. The senior came off the bench to sink seven 3-pointers, scoring 21 points—both personal bests. Nolan Winter added a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, his eighth of the season, while Nick Boyd contributed 11 points. The Badgers (12-5, 4-2 Big Ten) have now won three straight and five of their last six, solidifying their position in the conference.
For Minnesota (10-7, 3-3), Jaylen Crocker-Johnson led the charge with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Isaac Asuma added 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Langston Reynolds recorded his second double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 assists. The Golden Gophers, who had been on a five-game win streak, have now dropped two in a row. Here’s the bold question: Did Minnesota’s late-game collapse cost them, or was Wisconsin’s comeback simply unstoppable?
The first half belonged to Minnesota, with Crocker-Johnson scoring 10 points and the Gophers holding Wisconsin scoreless for the final 5:11 to take a 35-28 lead into halftime. Early in the second half, Asuma and Crocker-Johnson extended Minnesota’s lead to 41-30, their largest of the game. But Wisconsin stormed back with a 14-0 run, fueled by Carrington’s three 3-pointers and Blackwell’s five points, to take a 66-57 lead with 7:27 left.
Looking ahead, Wisconsin hosts Rutgers on Saturday, while Minnesota faces a tough test at No. 13 Illinois. What’s your take? Did Wisconsin earn this win, or did Minnesota give it away? Let us know in the comments below!
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