Madison, WI —

For the first time in 22 days, the Wisconsin Badgers faced a defeat in basketball. They were unable to extend their winning streak to six games on Sunday afternoon, losing to the USC Trojans with a final score of 73-71.

The Badgers’ offense, which had been ranked first in the country in offensive efficiency since January 1 (according to BartTorvik.com), struggled significantly during this game. Their 71 points marked their lowest total since facing Villanova on December 19, and they managed only 34.3% shooting from the field and 24.3% from the three-point line.

“Obviously, the numbers from a shooting standpoint tell a lot of the story,” said Greg Gard, the Badgers’ head coach, after the game. “But I think that wasn’t the entire thing, and you have to be able to overcome rough shooting afternoons.”

Throughout the 40-minute game, Wisconsin’s attention to detail and physicality fluctuated. They fell behind early but gradually closed the gap before making a strong start to the second half. With 12 minutes remaining, the Badgers held a 12-point lead. However, they eventually faded, missing key shots, giving up crucial offensive rebounds, and allowing the Trojans to gain momentum and confidence.

USC’s length and defensive presence posed challenges for Wisconsin’s inside scoring. The Trojans’ starting lineup doesn’t include any players over 6-foot-10, but when Chad Baker-Mazara (6’7″), Ezra Ausar (6’8″), and Jacob Cofie (6’10”) are on the court together, their combined length becomes apparent. Adding 6-foot-6 Alijah Arenas further complicates scoring opportunities inside.

“They’re not super tall guys, but they got length, they play hard down there,” said Nolan Winter. “Instead of trying to go through them maybe, you know, making some plays around them.”

Wisconsin faced difficulties in finishing at the rim, with four of their shots blocked and only 10 of 20 layups made. In the second half, they managed just five of 16 two-point attempts. While USC’s length contributed to some of these misses, the Badgers also played a role in their own struggles.

“I think we just beat ourselves up, like, little stuff at the rim,” said John Blackwell. “(We have to) get back to our principles, like shot faking when guys are jumping or playing off two feet in traffic.”

Nick Boyd was the primary scoring source for the Badgers during parts of the game. He tied with Baker-Mazara for the game-high in points (29) while also contributing six rebounds and three assists. When Arenas missed a jumper with 14 seconds left, trailing by two points, it was clear who would take the final shot.

Boyd drove toward the left corner before turning and heading toward the basket. His off-balance reverse layup hit the front iron, and USC’s Jerry Easter rebounded the ball, drawing a foul with two seconds remaining.

“I think I should have just took my time maybe a little bit more, but I was just trying to get downhill,” Boyd said. “I got to where I wanted to, just missed it.”

Greg Gard had a timeout available, but he chose to let his players handle the final possession—a decision he had previously made against Minnesota when Blackwell hit the game-winning three-pointer.

“I thought about it,” Gard said of using the timeout. “But (Boyd) was coming with a good speed and they were scattered, they were backpedaling… You put the ball in your better player’s hands and try to make a play.”

USC’s second-half offense was bolstered by their free throw shooting. Baker-Mazara led the Trojans with tough shots, including five three-pointers. However, the team’s success came from their ability to capitalize on free throws.

Wisconsin put USC into the Bonus with 7:48 remaining, and the Trojans committed 10 personal fouls in the final 11 minutes. Six of their 11 second-half infractions were shooting fouls.

“I think we were bailing them out on some of (the fouls),” said Blackwell. “Like, just reaching, slapping. Little things that we talked about (pregame).”

In the second half, USC went 12-for-16 from the free throw line, helping offset their 34.5% field goal percentage.

The Badgers were aware of USC’s ability to get to the free throw line before tipoff, as the Trojans were tied for the team lead in free throw attempts per game (28.6). Ausar ranks second in FTA per game individually.

Ausar’s ability to get to the free throw line stems from his offensive rebounding skills. He gave Wisconsin trouble down low in the second half, recording nine points, four rebounds (two offensive), and two blocks while playing the full 20 minutes. He attempted six free throws.

“We have to be able to guard better without fouling,” said Gard. “We let them get to the bonus too quick, specifically in the second half.”