A Glimpse of Potential, But Not Sustained

In a game that saw the University of Wisconsin’s Badgers show flashes of competitiveness against one of the top teams in the Big Ten, the outcome ultimately highlighted the challenges the team still faces. The Badgers had moments where they could match the No. 5 Purdue Boilermakers, but those stretches were short-lived and did not carry over into the second half.

The game, which took place at the Kohl Center on Tuesday, ended with an 89-73 victory for Purdue, marking their third consecutive conference win and the first time in six years that they have started 3-0 in Big Ten play. The Boilermakers showcased their dominance with four starters scoring in double figures by the 15:15 mark of the second half, and all five starters reaching at least 10 points by the 9:22 mark.

Guard Fletcher Loyer led the way with 20 points, while guard Braden Smith delivered a double-double (14 points, 12 assists). Purdue’s efficient shooting, at 46.5 percent from the field, played a significant role in their success.

First Half Promise, Second Half Struggles

The Badgers started the game strong, attacking the rim with a focus on high-percentage shots rather than three-point attempts. Guards John Blackwell and Nick Boyd, along with center Nolan Winter, showed their ability to score inside. Wisconsin started 5-for-6 on layups and scored 24 points on its first 14 possessions.

However, this momentum was not sustained. The Badgers struggled with ball handling, committing multiple unforced turnovers. Over the final 22 possessions, Wisconsin averaged just 0.63 points per possession, plagued by seven turnovers.

Despite a late surge, including a 19-5 run to cut the lead to 11 with 3:22 remaining, Purdue’s offense continued to dominate. Loyer’s fourth three-pointer sealed the game, ending any hope of a comeback.

What It Means for Wisconsin

While the Badgers showed signs of being an NCAA Tournament team, the performance was not consistent enough to secure a Quad-1 win. Their defense improved compared to previous games against ranked opponents, but their inability to maintain their composure in the second half cost them a valuable opportunity.

Star of the Game

Braden Smith was instrumental in Purdue’s victory. His ability to make plays look effortless was on full display during a key moment in the second half. By driving down the right block and delivering a pass around Winter, Smith created a three-point play for Oscar Cluff, showcasing his vision and court awareness.

Key Stat of the Game

One of the most telling stats of the game was Wisconsin’s poor three-point shooting. Despite building their roster around three-point shooting, the Badgers have shot under 30% from beyond the arc in four of their five games against Power Four teams. Against Purdue, they managed only 4-of-25 from deep.

Reason to Be Concerned

John Blackwell, who was named Big Ten Player of the Week, has not maintained his offensive production since. In the four games he has played since, he has shot just 29.2%. He scored six quick points in the first three minutes but did not score again until less than four minutes remained in the game.

Don’t Overlook

Wisconsin had several chances to take control at halftime but failed to execute fundamentals. They committed eight turnovers, many of which were unforced, and only forced one turnover. Purdue capitalized on these mistakes, gaining a 13-0 edge in points off turnovers at the break.

What’s Next?

Wisconsin will close its four-game homestand on Tuesday when it hosts UCLA. This will be the first meeting between the Bruins and Badgers in Madison since 1962. Although UCLA lost to Iowa in their first trip to the Midwest, they have a strong lineup with players like Tyler Bilodeau, Skyy Clark, Donovan Dent, and Eric Dailey Jr. all averaging double figures.

The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will be streamed on Peacock.

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