The Wisconsin Badgers delivered their most complete performance of the young season in a commanding 94 to 69 win over SIU Edwardsville at the Kohl Center.
The Badgers moved to 4-0 and looked every bit like
a team beginning to settle into its identity. This matchup showed a roster growing in confidence, sharpening its offensive rhythm, and discovering the type of defensive intensity that separates good teams from dangerous ones.
The story once again began with John Blackwell. The sophomore guard erupted for 24 points and knocked down five of his six attempts from behind the arc. His shooting stroke looked effortless, and his poise set the tone from the opening minutes.
Every time Wisconsin needed a boost, Blackwell supplied it. He has become the kind of player who can change the feel of a game simply by catching rhythm.
Nick Boyd added another strong performance with 22 points. He hit four threes and showed a blend of control and decisiveness that continues to raise the ceiling of this offense. Boyd’s ability to drive, kick, and relocate for open looks gives Wisconsin a more dynamic backcourt than it has had in recent seasons.
Austin Rapp chipped in 15 points along with eight rebounds and three blocks. Rapp played with purpose around the rim and gave Wisconsin physicality in both directions. His presence anchored the interior and provided the frontcourt balance the Badgers need when the offense leans heavily on perimeter scoring.
The game remained competitive through the first half. Wisconsin led only 48 to 41 at the break, and SIUE shot an impressive percentage in the early stages. However, the Badgers completely changed the energy to begin the second half. A blistering 16 to 0 run buried momentum for the Cougars and displayed exactly what this team can become when it aligns effort and execution.
Defensively, Wisconsin tightened every aspect of its approach. SIUE could not generate clean looks and struggled to find rhythm once Wisconsin took away second-chance opportunities. The Badgers controlled the boards by a 38 to 31 margin and limited trips to the paint. The interior rotation grew more disciplined as the night went on, and the perimeter pressure forced contested attempts throughout the second half.
One of the most encouraging numbers came in the turnover column. Wisconsin finished with only four giveaways. The Badgers played under control and did not waste possessions. A team that protects the ball with this level of care can consistently dictate pace and style.
SIUE showed pockets of resistance with Jordan Pickett scoring 12, along with 10 each from Jo Valrie and Myles Thompson. Even so, the Cougars could not keep up once Wisconsin unlocked its second-half surge. Early foul trouble limited Ring Malith to six points, and SIUE lost much of its offensive punch.
The win revealed several truths. Wisconsin has a legitimate scoring balance. The perimeter attack can heat up quickly. The defense can elevate in critical stretches.
Most importantly, this group is starting to look connected. The upcoming schedule will offer harder tests, but the foundation appears real. This team is not simply winning. It is growing.
