Wisconsin Badgers Defeat Ohio State Buckeyes in Big Ten Clash

Badgers extend winning streak to five games with victory over Buckeyes

Feb. 18, 2026 at 8:47pm

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The #24 Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 92-82 in a Big Ten conference matchup on Tuesday night. The Badgers, led by their high-powered backcourt duo of Nick Boyd (20.6 PPG) and John Blackwell (19.0 PPG), have now won four of their last five games. The loss drops the Buckeyes to 16-9 on the season and puts their NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy.

Why it matters

This game was an important Big Ten battle, with the Badgers looking to solidify their position in the conference standings and the Buckeyes fighting to improve their NCAA Tournament resume. Wisconsin's victory over a fellow bubble team will be a valuable resume-building win as they push for a spot in the Big Dance.

The details

Wisconsin's high-powered offense was on full display, as they scored 92 points for the third straight game. The Badgers' adjusted offensive efficiency ranks 18th nationally, thanks in large part to their star backcourt. However, the team's defense remains a work in progress, allowing at least 75 points in eight of their 14 Big Ten games. Ohio State, meanwhile, was without injured forward Devin Royal, making it difficult for them to match Wisconsin's size and physicality in the paint.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Wisconsin defeated Ohio State 92-82 on January 31st in their previous matchup.

The players

Nick Boyd

A star guard for the Wisconsin Badgers, averaging 20.6 points per game this season.

John Blackwell

The other half of Wisconsin's dynamic backcourt duo, scoring 19.0 points per game.

Bruce Thornton

The experienced senior guard for the Ohio State Buckeyes, leading the team with 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.

Devin Royal

A key forward for the Ohio State Buckeyes, currently out indefinitely due to a hand injury suffered on February 11th.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with the same energy and intensity that has fueled our recent success. Every win is crucial as we push towards the NCAA Tournament.”

— Nick Boyd, Wisconsin Badgers Guard (draftkings.com)

“Losing Devin was a big blow, but we can't make excuses. We need to find a way to step up and get this win against a tough Wisconsin team.”

— Bruce Thornton, Ohio State Buckeyes Guard (draftkings.com)

What’s next

The Badgers will look to continue their winning streak on Saturday when they host the #10 Illinois Fighting Illini. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, will try to bounce back on the road against the #5 Michigan Wolverines.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's balanced scoring attack and stifling defense proved too much for the shorthanded Buckeyes, as the Badgers solidified their position in the Big Ten standings with a crucial road victory. Ohio State's NCAA Tournament hopes took a hit, but they will have opportunities to bolster their resume in the coming weeks.