Wisconsin’s Five-Game Winning Streak Ends in Heartbreaking Loss to USC

MADISON, Wis. — The end of a five-game winning streak for the Wisconsin Badgers came in dramatic fashion as they fell 73-71 to the USC Trojans. Despite entering the game with momentum and a strong performance in the first half, the Badgers were unable to maintain their lead, ultimately squandering a 12-point advantage in the second half.

Head coach Greg Gard expressed his disappointment after the loss, noting that it was rare to see such a somber atmosphere in the locker room following a game.

Struggles from Beyond the Arc

One of the key factors in the loss was Wisconsin’s inability to shoot from beyond the arc. The Badgers started the game just 1-of-10 from three-point range, and despite some improvements in the second half, they struggled throughout the game. In fact, they shot only 4-of-19 from three-point range in the second half, with just one made shot in the final 12 minutes.

Junior guard John Blackwell, who contributed 11 points and nine rebounds, admitted that the team should have been more aggressive on offense. However, he struggled with his shooting, going 3-of-13 with five turnovers.

USC Takes Control in the Final Minutes

Another major issue for Wisconsin was its inability to maintain control in the final stretch of the game. After a 17-2 run gave the Badgers a 58-46 lead with 11:59 remaining, USC took over. The Trojans outscored Wisconsin 27-13 in the final 12 minutes, with the Badgers shooting just 3-of-16 from the field during that span.

Nolan Winter managed to hit a meaningless mid-range jumper as time expired, but it was not enough to change the outcome of the game.

Chad Baker-Mazara Steals the Show

USC star guard Chad Baker-Mazara was the difference-maker in the final moments. While the Badgers managed to limit him for much of the game, he eventually took over. He scored 11 points in the final 8:14 and had a crucial assist that gave USC a 69-65 lead with 1:23 remaining.

Baker-Mazara finished with a game-high 29 points on 10-of-22 shooting, including four of his last five shots from the field. His ability to make plays when it mattered most proved to be the deciding factor in the game.

Nick Boyd Carries the Load

For much of the game, it was Nick Boyd who carried the Wisconsin offense. The senior guard finished with a game-high 29 points on 10-of-17 shooting, along with six rebounds and three assists. He also drew seven fouls, leading to nine of UW’s 20 free throw attempts.

However, Boyd’s production slowed down in the final 15:54 of the game. With the Badgers trailing, he had a chance to send the game into overtime, but USC defenders forced him into an out-of-control layup attempt. The Trojans secured the rebound and sealed the victory at the free-throw line.

Key Moments and Stats

• 1:14: The Badgers drew six fouls in a span of 1:14 during the first half.
• 4: UW closed the first half by making its final four field goal attempts. Meanwhile, USC went the last 2:40 without a made shot.
• 5: Braeden Carrington had a +/- of 5 to lead the Badgers.
• 5:48: UW went 5:48 without a made field goal in the first half, falling behind by as many as 10.
• 6: On one possession in the second half, UW had six consecutive offensive rebounds.
• 6: Over the last 12 minutes, the Badgers attempted six shots inside the arc.
• 10: The Badgers started 1-of-10 from three-point range.
• 12: UW led by as many as 12 in the second half.
• 13: USC used a 13-2 run to take a 19-9 lead in the first half.
• 17: UW used a 17-2 run to take a 58-46 lead with 11:59 remaining.
• 18: The Badgers had a season-high 18 offensive rebounds.
• 23:06: UW led for 23:06 and trailed for 15:20.
• 34.3: The Badgers shot a season-low 34.3 percent from the field.

Despite the loss, there were moments of hope for the Badgers, but ultimately, their struggles from beyond the arc and their inability to close out the game proved to be too much to overcome.