USC Stuns Wisconsin With Late Comeback At Kohl Center

The Kohl Center in Madison was alive with anticipation on January 25, 2026, as the Wisconsin Badgers aimed to extend their five-game winning streak. But in a heart-stopping Big Ten clash, the USC Trojans staged a dramatic comeback to edge the Badgers 73-71, snapping Wisconsin’s surge and leaving fans breathless until the final buzzer.

It was a contest packed with momentum swings, clutch performances, and more than a few missed opportunities. Wisconsin, now 14-6 overall and 6-3 in conference play, watched a 12-point second-half lead evaporate as USC (15-5, 4-5 Big Ten) clawed their way back into the game. The Trojans’ veteran forward Chad Baker-Mazara was simply unstoppable, matching Wisconsin’s Nick Boyd point for point in a dazzling display of collegiate basketball.

Boyd, a transfer guard making his mark in Madison, poured in a game-high 29 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out three assists. He was the engine that kept the Badgers in gear, especially when shots weren’t falling for the rest of the team. Sixteen of Boyd’s points came in the first half, and he seemed determined to will Wisconsin to another home win. "When shots weren't falling in the first half Sunday, it was Boyd who managed to keep the Badgers within striking distance by consistently getting into the paint," noted one report.

Yet, for all of Boyd’s heroics, the Badgers couldn’t keep the Trojans at bay. Baker-Mazara matched Boyd with 29 points of his own, along with four rebounds and three assists. The opening minutes saw Baker-Mazara and backcourt partner Alijah Arenas combine for 12 of USC’s first 16 points, setting the tone for the visitors’ aggressive play. Arenas, despite early foul trouble, helped USC build a nine-point cushion before Wisconsin began to rally.

Wisconsin’s first-half resilience was unmistakable. Down by double digits, the Badgers stormed back, scoring on their final four possessions before halftime. A corner three-pointer from Austin Rapp with just eight seconds left gave Wisconsin a 41-39 lead at the break. The Kohl Center crowd roared, sensing another statement win was within reach.

The momentum carried over into the second half. The Badgers came out of the locker room firing, holding USC scoreless for four and a half minutes while mounting a 9-0 run. Three-pointers by Rapp and Braeden Carrington extended the lead to 12 with under 12 minutes to play. It looked like Greg Gard’s squad was about to put the game away.

But basketball, as ever, is a game of runs. The Trojans refused to fold, holding Wisconsin scoreless for nearly four minutes and slashing the lead to just four points. Baker-Mazara, relentless and poised, scored nine of USC’s 11 points during a crucial stretch between the eight and five-minute marks. With under five minutes remaining, USC’s 16-2 run gave them a 62-60 lead, flipping the script and ratcheting up the tension in Madison.

The final minutes were a blur of nerves and big plays. The teams traded baskets, with Boyd and Baker-Mazara going shot-for-shot. Wisconsin’s defense delivered a crucial stop with 14 seconds left, setting up a last-gasp chance to tie the game. Boyd, who had carried the offense all night, raced up the court and attempted a twisting layup. The ball spun off the rim with just two seconds left. USC’s Jerry Easter secured the rebound and was immediately fouled. He coolly sank both free throws, effectively sealing the Trojans’ 73-71 win.

It was a tough pill to swallow for the Badgers, who had been so close to victory. Coach Greg Gard, along with Boyd, John Blackwell, and Nolan Winter, addressed the media after the game, reflecting on what might have been. The loss was Wisconsin’s second at home this season, a rare stumble in what has otherwise been a strong campaign.

Winter, the Badgers’ big man, logged 38 minutes and contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. Blackwell was a force on the glass as well, finishing with 11 points, nine rebounds, and two assists in 36 minutes. Despite their efforts, Wisconsin struggled to convert opportunities inside, going just 10-for-20 on layups and having four shots swatted away by USC’s length and athleticism.

The shooting woes didn’t end there. The Badgers shot just 34.3% from the field overall and a chilly 24.3% from three-point range. The second half was particularly rough, with Wisconsin hitting only 25.7% of their attempts—a cold streak that allowed USC to outscore them 34-30 after the break. Free throws were one of the few bright spots, as Wisconsin converted 80% from the stripe, but it wasn’t enough to offset the Trojans’ late surge.

Foul trouble also played a role in the outcome. Wisconsin committed 11 of their 17 personal fouls in the second half, sending USC to the line for 16 attempts—12 of which they converted. That steady stream of points kept the Trojans within striking distance even as the Badgers’ offense sputtered.

For Wisconsin, the defeat is a setback, but not a disaster. The loss counts as a Quadrant 2 defeat, a mark that won’t severely damage their NCAA Tournament résumé but does slow their recent momentum. As one analyst put it, "Wisconsin's surge up the rankings and NCAA Tournament picture has slowed significantly." The challenge now is to regroup and refocus for the next test.

That next opportunity comes quickly. The Badgers continue their three-game homestand with a January 28 matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, a team Wisconsin narrowly defeated earlier this month thanks to a John Blackwell game-winning three-pointer. Minnesota arrives in Madison on a three-game skid, having lost to Illinois, Ohio State, and Nebraska in succession. The stage is set for Wisconsin to bounce back and reassert itself in the Big Ten race.

For now, the story of Sunday’s showdown is one of missed chances and a Trojans team that simply refused to quit. The Badgers will look to learn from the defeat and channel their frustration into a stronger performance against Minnesota. One thing’s for sure: with Nick Boyd leading the way and a hungry roster eager to get back in the win column, Wisconsin basketball remains a team to watch as the conference season heats up.