The Wisconsin Badgers beat the Washington Huskies 85-82 on Thursday, holding on to win after blowing an 18-point lead in the second half to advance in the Big Ten Tournament.
It was the Badgers guards that stole the show once again, as John Blackwell and Nick Boyd combined for 57 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, while turning the ball over just three times. Blackwell was especially crucial, pouring in 34 points, including a late jumper to put Wisconsin up three, while also hauling in 10 rebounds.
In fact, Blackwell’s 34 points are a Badgers record for most by a player in the Big Ten Tournament, topping John Tonje’s 32 points in the Big Ten Tournament Semifinals against Michigan State from a season ago. It is also tied for the third-most points by a player in Big Ten Tournament history.
Blackwell was key to Wisconsin extending their lead late in the first half, scoring 13 points, while shooting 3 of 7 from deep in the period. But he was just special in the second half, going bucket for bucket with the Huskies as he scored 21 points on 9 of 13 shooting in the period alone. He was consistent, clutch, and Wisconsin needed every single one of those points on Thursday.
“Just a blessing. Just a blessing. Obviously, I looked up to [John] Tonje,” Blackwell said of breaking Tonje’s record. “I looked up to things he did at a high level. I just stayed with it. Credit to these guys. I was hot, I was hitting some shots, so they kept trying to find me. And then it’s on to the next game.”
Throughout the year, Blackwell has earned rave reviews from head coach Greg Gard for his composure and natural steadiness, no matter the moment. That proved to be true on Thursday, as Blackwell was able to settle the team down late and make some key shots, while keeping the momentum going throughout the game.
“I never get too high or too low, just keep a steady pace,” Blackwell added. “Every game, just breathe. I think I’ve done a good job just like breathing, a good breathing technique, just in and out the nose. And just, you know, big games like this, I don’t think I get too nervous. I never get too high, never get too low.”
Wisconsin will need its star guards to come out and play well again on Thursday with a difficult challenge against Illinois. The Illini will have guards Kylan Boswell and Andrej Stojakovic back, while it doesn’t seem that Nolan Winter will make his return.
But it was a historic game for Blackwell, who has shown up in big moments for the Badgers several times this year.
