The Wisconsin Badgers secured their biggest win of the season, defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 94-84 on Saturday. The team’s big three – John Tonje, John Blackwell, and Max Klesmit – led the charge in the second half, scoring 58 points together and shooting 72 percent from the field.
Tonje was the standout performer, finishing with 32 points, including 22 in the second half where he shot 6/7 from the field. The guard’s aggression paid off, as he scored 11 straight points to spark a key run that sealed the win. Blackwell and Klesmit also contributed, scoring all of their points in the second half.
The Badgers’ bench played a crucial role in the victory, with Carter Gilmore, Kamari McGee, and Jack Janicki providing key contributions. The team’s depth was evident, as they outlasted Purdue despite being expected to struggle against the top-10 team.
Coach Greg Gard’s team has undergone a significant transformation this season, evolving their offense to put up 94 points in the win. While their defense has been strong when needed, the Badgers’ ability to close out games is also on display. With this win, Wisconsin moves closer to the top of the Big Ten standings and sparks debate about Gard’s eligibility for Coach of the Year honors.
The Badgers now sit at 20-5 overall and 10-4 in conference play, improving their position in the standings. The victory has cemented Greg Gard’s team as a serious contender for the Big Ten regular season title.
Source: https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2025/2/15/24366451/3-quick-takeaways-from-wisconsin-badgers-94-84-win-over-purdue-boilermakers-greg-gard-coach-of-year