Wisconsin Badgers Secure Dramatic Win Over Minnesota with Buzzer-Beater

On January 13, 2026, the Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 78-75 in a thrilling matchup at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. The victory marked Wisconsin's 10th consecutive win over Minnesota, improving their all-time record against the Gophers to 23-5 since 2010. The Badgers, now 12-5 overall and 4-2 in the Big Ten Conference, showcased resilience by overcoming an 11-point deficit in the second half.

Sports IllustratedWisconsin Beats Minnesota at the Buzzer, 78-753 quick takeaways from Badgers buzzer beating win over Minnesota: 2nd halfs are becoming a thingBlackwell's buzzer-beater lifts UW over MinnesotaESPN

John Blackwell was pivotal for Wisconsin, scoring 27 points, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer that secured the win. He shot 8-of-14 from the field and 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. Braeden Carrington, a former Gopher, contributed significantly off the bench with a career-high 21 points, hitting seven three-pointers. Nolan Winter added a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Nick Boyd chipped in with 11 points.

ESPNBlackwell's buzzer-beater lifts UW over MinnesotaSports IllustratedWisconsin Beats Minnesota at the Buzzer, 78-753 quick takeaways from Badgers buzzer beating win over Minnesota: 2nd halfs are becoming a thing

For Minnesota, Jaylen Crocker-Johnson led with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Cade Tyson scored 14 points, including a game-tying three-pointer with five seconds left. Isaac Asuma and Langston Reynolds also made notable contributions, with Asuma scoring 17 points and Reynolds providing seven assists.

ESPN

The game unfolded in two distinct halves. Wisconsin struggled defensively in the first half, allowing Minnesota to score 35 points, primarily in the paint. The Badgers went scoreless for over five minutes, trailing 35-28 at halftime. However, the second half saw a dramatic turnaround as Wisconsin's offense ignited, scoring 50 points. They executed a 23-6 run that shifted the momentum, taking a 66-57 lead with just over seven minutes remaining.

3 quick takeaways from Badgers buzzer beating win over Minnesota: 2nd halfs are becoming a thingWisconsin Beats Minnesota at the Buzzer, 78-75ESPNSports IllustratedBlackwell's buzzer-beater lifts UW over Minnesota

Despite a late-game scoring drought, Wisconsin managed to hold off Minnesota until Blackwell's decisive shot. The Badgers shot 10-of-18 from three-point range in the second half, a stark contrast to their 4-of-15 performance in the first half.

3 quick takeaways from Badgers buzzer beating win over Minnesota: 2nd halfs are becoming a thing

Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard praised his team's resilience, stating, "We showed a lot of heart to come back in a tough environment." Blackwell's game-winning shot was highlighted as a significant moment, marking the first buzzer-beater victory for Wisconsin since Bronson Koenig's memorable shot in 2016.

Sports Illustrated

Despite the victory, concerns were raised regarding Wisconsin's free-throw shooting, particularly in crunch time. The Badgers missed crucial free throws that allowed Minnesota to tie the game late. Critics noted that Wisconsin must improve its defensive consistency to compete effectively in the Big Ten.

Sports Illustrated

Following this game, Wisconsin will host Rutgers on January 16, 2026, aiming to extend their winning streak to four games. Minnesota, now 10-7 and 3-3 in the Big Ten, will face No. 13 Illinois on the same day, seeking to bounce back from consecutive losses.

Sports Illustrated

• “JOHN BLACKWELL AT THE BUZZER.” — Wisconsin Basketball Twitter Account

Sports Illustrated

This thrilling encounter not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also highlighted the Badgers' ability to perform under pressure, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.

Sports Illustrated