The Wisconsin Badgers proved to be giant killers yet again, taking down the No. 10 Michigan State Spartans 92-71 Friday night at the Kohl Center as Nick Boyd exploded for 29 points. The win was Wisconsin’s third against top-10 ranked opponents and second this week after defeating No. 8 Illinois on Tuesday.
The Badgers started hot as guard Andrew Rohde knocked down 3-pointers on each of Wisconsin’s first two possessions, quickly setting the tone of the game. They held that lead the entire game.
This beatdown can be attributed to Wisconsin’s increased defensive pressure and efficient shooting.
“I think we did a good job containing their best players,” John Blackwell said after the game. “We had a good plan for today. They’re a good team.”
Wisconsin changed the game with a 15-0 run in the first half, transforming a 3-point game into a 32-14 Wisconsin lead. Wisconsin overwhelmed the Spartans from 3 in the first half, hitting 10-for-17 on 3-pointers, including four from Boyd.
Michigan State, however, would not go down easily, as they went on a 9-0 run over a 54 second span towards the end of the first half. But Wisconsin kept their feet planted and sustained a 51-34 lead going into the break.
Coming out of the locker room, the Badgers kept their foot on the gas and proceeded to dominate the Spartans. While Wisconsin continued their offensive onslaught, it looked like Michigan State could not find the basket. They shot 36.4% from the field and 29.6% from beyond the arc compared to the Badgers 48.4% and 42.9%, respectively.
“We shoot like that, ain’t no team in the country that can beat us,” Boyd said postgame
Boyd led the way for the Badgers with 29 points and four assists. He cruised past Michigan State’s defense, making the Spartans pay by letting him find his spots. Fouling Boyd was the only way to contain him, but the guard went 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Friday marked Boyd’s sixth straight game scoring over 20 points, becoming the first Badger to do so since Alando Tucker in the 2006-2007 season.
With 24 points of his own, Blackwell also played a crucial role in the game. He was a concrete performer during this contest and played his usual game, which consists of knocking down 3-pointers, scoring efficiently around the basket and using his great court vision to find open teammates.
Wisconsin returns to the floor against Ohio State (16-9, 8-6) in Columbus on Tuesday. The Badgers beat the Buckeyes 92-82 at home in their last meeting in February.
