MADISON, Wis. — It’s January 3rd, and the Wisconsin Badgers (9-5, 1-2) are still without a quad 1 win. Resuming Big Ten Conference play on Saturday, the team couldn’t keep up with No. 5 Purdue (13-1, 3-0), falling 89-73 at the Kohl Center. Despite leading for over 11 minutes, UW struggled to contain the Boilermakers, suffering their third blowout loss of the season.

“We were there for 15 minutes, and then we’re this far away for another 20-25,” said UW head coach Greg Gard. “It’s a matter of getting everyone at a higher level all the time.”

Wisconsin Did Neutralize the Purdue Frontcourt

One positive note was that Wisconsin managed to limit Purdue’s frontcourt. The Boilermakers only scored 28 points in the paint. Star forward Trey Kaufman-Renn was held to 11 points on 13 shots, while sophomore center Daniel Jacobsen provided a significant boost with seven points (3-4) during the first half when the Badgers were surging.

However, the offensive rebounding was a major issue. Purdue grabbed 14 offensive boards, resulting in 17 second-chance points. On the other hand, Wisconsin didn’t score well inside, missing 10 shots at the rim. They did have a 32-28 advantage in points in the paint against a team known for its dominance in that area.

Turnovers and Missed Free Throws Hurt

Wisconsin went 21-of-26 from the free throw line, but the five misses came at critical moments. The Badgers also finished with 11 turnovers, eight of which occurred in the first half. Despite shooting 54 percent from the field, they trailed by seven at halftime. These turnovers led to 18 points for Purdue.

“When you’re playing a team this experienced, elite, composed with a terrific point guard, the margin for error, or mulligans, are non-existent,” said Gard, who fell to 5-10 against Purdue.

Additionally, Wisconsin shot just 4-of-25 from 3-point range. “You can’t go 4-of-25, and you’re playing one of the top 2-3 teams in the country,” Gard added. “As I told the team, I can’t yell at you about shooting. You’ve gotta make shots.”

The Badgers Still Haven’t Found Their Defense

Unlike previous Gard teams, this group doesn’t seem to compete when shots aren’t falling. They relied on defense to keep them in games, but this season has seen a lack of consistency. When Wisconsin cooled off, they couldn’t stop Purdue’s offense.

The Boilermakers shot 47 percent from the field, including 37 percent from 3-point range. They also recorded 22 assists on 33 made shots, with 11 dimes from Braden Smith. Purdue scored on 56 percent of their offensive possessions.

“We wanted to get in ball screens as much as we could,” said Purdue head coach Matt Painter. “Then just read what they were going to do. Just kinda read the room and take what they give you.”

Game Ball

A key moment in the second half saw senior guard Nick Boyd reprimand sophomore forward Austin Rapp after Purdue grabbed offensive rebounds and secured a loose ball. This exchange highlighted the energy and tenacity that Boyd brought to the game.

“I want to win so bad,” Boyd said of the interaction with Rapp. “You get emotional out there. You have that urge to get some certain messages across to each other.”

Boyd led the team with 24 points (7-13) and had an attacking mindset from the start. He consistently broke down the Purdue defense and put star guard Braden Smith in foul trouble. Boyd drew six fouls, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out two assists in 33 minutes.

Big Picture

Gard has often expressed confidence in Wisconsin’s ceiling. However, the question remains whether the Badgers can reach it in time. With a poor resume and multiple losses in key tests, concerns about the NCAA Tournament are growing.

“Once we get over the hump and get one, I think this team will get rolling,” said Boyd. “I’m excited to get back to work.”

Beyond the Box Score

• The Badgers had three turnovers in a 1:56 span in the first half.
• Purdue had five players in double figures.
• UW went without a field goal for 5:08 in the second half.
• Hayden Jones had a +/- of 6 in his five minutes.
• The Badgers made seven of their first nine field goal attempts.
• The Badgers had a season-low seven assists.
• The Boilermakers made seven of eight shots at one point in the second half.
• Purdue used a 10-0 run to blow open the game at 63-44 with 14:27 remaining.
• UW made two field goals in the first 11:18 of the second half.
• UW shot a season-low 16.0 percent from 3-point range.
• The Boilermakers led by as many as 25 points.