Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team achieved their fourth consecutive victory by defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 75-63 on January 8, 2025, at Jersey Mike's Arena. The win served as both a showcase of the Badgers' capabilities and as preparation for their continued pursuit of AP Top 25 status.
Struggling against injuries, the Scarlet Knights couldn't establish their rhythm, particularly with star freshman Dylan Harper out due to illness. Rutgers trailed throughout the matchup as the Badgers capitalized on their advantage. Head coach Greg Gard's squad displayed their depth, led by sophomore guard John Blackwell, who netted 21 points, following his notable 32-point performance against Iowa.
Meanwhile, veteran center Steven Crowl also shone brightly, contributing 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The Badgers’ John Tonje provided additional support with 15 points and nine rebounds. Even amid these strong performances, Wisconsin faced challenges, with two players, Max Klesmit and Nolan Winter, not delivering their expected contributions. Klesmit suffered from a right ankle injury and managed only limited minutes, affecting the team dynamic.
Despite shooting under 32% from beyond the arc and getting only six free throw attempts during the game, the Badgers consistently maintained their lead, often extending it to as many as 16 points. The Rutgers team, trailing 62-59 with under seven minutes remaining, saw their hopes dashed when Wisconsin orchestrated a decisive 13-2 run to close the game. The overall performance highlighted the experienced Badgers coping well against the spirited, albeit younger, Scarlet Knights.
For Rutgers fans, the absence of the talented Harper was felt acutely, as he typically averages around 23 points per game, and without his contributions, offensive consistency proved elusive. Although Ace Bailey managed to get on the scoreboard, his 3-of-16 shooting night underscored the team's struggles.
This latest victory positions Wisconsin, with their 12-3 record and 2-2 Big Ten Conference standing, among contenders for future rankings. They received 31 votes but, ironically, remain outside the Top 25, trailing behind other teams like Pittsburgh, who received 91 votes. Wisconsin's wins against teams now ranked appear to hold weight, as their losses have come against AP Top 25 teams, giving them some room for elevated rankings if they continue their strong play.
The Badgers' next challenge looms against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on January 10 at the Kohl Center, which could be pivotal for reinforcing their place and credibility as a competitive team within the Big Ten. Will the Badgers build upon their momentum and claim another victory? This question hangs tantalizingly for fans awaiting the next game.