Full Breakdown
Wisconsin Badgers Fall to Oklahoma Sooners in Exhibition Thriller
10/25/2025, 6:31:34 AM
Exhibition Game Overview
The Wisconsin Badgers faced off against the Oklahoma Sooners in an exhibition game on October 24, 2025, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The contest marked the unofficial start of the 2025-26 basketball season for both teams, with Wisconsin ranked No. 24 in the AP preseason poll. Ultimately, the Badgers fell short, losing 84-83, ending their 51-game exhibition winning streak that dated back to 1992.
Game Highlights and Performance
Wisconsin's junior guard John Blackwell led the team with 20 points, while transfers Nick Boyd and Austin Rapp contributed 19 and 17 points, respectively. The Badgers initially took an 8-2 lead but struggled defensively, allowing Oklahoma to shoot 52% from the field and 55% from three-point range. Despite several comebacks, including a late 9-0 run that tied the game at 66, Wisconsin could not secure the win.
Oklahoma's offense was powered by Xzayvier Brown, who scored 18 points, and Nijel Pack, who delivered crucial baskets in the final moments, finishing with 13 points. The Sooners, featuring an entirely new starting lineup, managed to maintain a lead for significant portions of the game, including a 46-41 advantage at halftime.
Defensive Struggles and Areas for Improvement
Wisconsin's defense was a focal point of concern, as they allowed Oklahoma to score 1.183 points per possession. Head coach Greg Gard acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "We’re not good enough yet on the defensive end, specifically. That tells me we have a long way to go, but that’s the exciting part." The Badgers forced 16 turnovers but struggled with defensive rotations and on-ball defense throughout the game.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, Coach Gard emphasized the value of the exhibition, noting, "This is why we want to do these things, to get into this environment and to play against this type of team." He expressed optimism about the team's potential for growth, highlighting that the game would provide valuable lessons ahead of the regular season.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics pointed out that Wisconsin's defense appeared even weaker than in previous seasons, raising concerns about their ability to compete effectively in the upcoming regular season. The Badgers' three-point shooting also left much to be desired, as they finished at 32% from beyond the arc, a continuation of struggles observed in earlier scrimmages.
What's Next for Both Teams
Wisconsin will next face UW-Platteville on October 29, 2025, in the annual Garding Against Cancer game. Meanwhile, Oklahoma will open its regular season against Saint Francis on November 3, 2025. Both teams will look to address their respective weaknesses as they prepare for the competitive landscape of college basketball.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’ll learn more from this than the last 10 days of practice. This will help us.” — Greg Gard, Head Coach, Wisconsin Badgers
- “(Exhibition) games like this are so good for both teams,” — Porter Moser, Head Coach, Oklahoma Sooners
- “We’re going to have to shoot 3’s.” — Greg Gard, Head Coach, Wisconsin Badgers
This exhibition showcased the potential and challenges facing both teams as they embark on their respective seasons, with Wisconsin needing to tighten its defense and Oklahoma looking to build on its new roster's chemistry.
