Wisconsin sets 3-point record to beat No. 15 Purdue 97-93

The Badgers made 18 3-pointers, the most in a road game in school history, to defeat the Boilermakers in the regular-season finale.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Wisconsin Badgers set a school record with 18 3-pointers, including 12 in the first half, to defeat the 15th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers 97-93 in their regular-season finale. John Blackwell led the Badgers with 25 points, including 5 3-pointers, while Nick Boyd added 23 points. Purdue's Fletcher Loyer had 23 points and broke the school's career 3-point record, but the Boilermakers couldn't keep up with Wisconsin's long-range shooting.

Why it matters

This win is a significant boost for Wisconsin's NCAA Tournament hopes, as they have now won 3 straight and 6 of their last 8 games. For Purdue, the loss marks the first time in nearly 14,000 days and 135 games that they have scored over 90 points and lost, raising questions about their defense and ability to win close games against top opponents.

The details

Wisconsin set a school record with 18 3-pointers, including 12 in the first half, to overcome an early 22-13 deficit and take a 52-47 halftime lead. Purdue briefly took a 62-61 lead in the second half, but Wisconsin answered with back-to-back 3-pointers from Aleksas Bieliauskas to regain control. The Badgers never trailed again after that, withstanding several Purdue charges to hold on for the 97-93 victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • Wisconsin set a school record with 12 3-pointers in the first half.

The players

John Blackwell

A Wisconsin player who made 5 3-pointers and scored 25 points in the game.

Nick Boyd

A Wisconsin player who scored 23 points in the game.

Fletcher Loyer

A Purdue player who scored 23 points and broke the school's career 3-point record.

Braden Smith

A Purdue player who scored 20 points and had 9 assists in his home finale.

Trey Kaufman-Renn

A Purdue player who scored 17 points in his home finale.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.