Wisconsin Works Toward Big Ten Triple Bye at Oregon

Badgers look to sweep Pacific Northwest trip and strengthen position in conference standings

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Wisconsin Badgers, currently out of the AP Top 25, have an opportunity to secure a top-four seed in the Big Ten tournament and earn a bye all the way to the quarterfinals. To do so, they need to sweep their two-game road trip to the Pacific Northwest, starting with a matchup against the struggling Oregon Ducks on Wednesday night. The Badgers have won four of their last six games and are led by the high-scoring backcourt duo of Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, while Oregon is trying to avoid finishing in the bottom four of the conference standings to avoid having to play on the first day of the tournament.

Why it matters

Wisconsin's quest for a top-four seed and triple bye in the Big Ten tournament could significantly impact their postseason positioning, while Oregon is fighting to avoid the play-in round and keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.

The details

The Badgers (19-8, 11-5) need to win both games on their Pacific Northwest trip, starting with Oregon (10-17, 3-13), to put pressure on the three teams ahead of them in the conference standings. Wisconsin is coming off an 84-71 win over Iowa at home, led by fifth-year guard Nick Boyd's near triple-double performance. Oregon, enduring its first losing season under head coach Dana Altman, is trying to avoid finishing in the bottom four of the Big Ten standings to avoid having to play on the first day of the conference tournament.

  • The Badgers and Ducks will face off on Wednesday night in Eugene, Oregon.
  • The Big Ten tournament quarterfinals are scheduled for March 13 in Chicago.

The players

Nick Boyd

A fifth-year guard for the Wisconsin Badgers who leads the team with 20.6 points per game.

John Blackwell

The other half of Wisconsin's high-scoring backcourt, averaging 18.5 points per game.

Kwame Evans Jr.

A forward for the Oregon Ducks who has been the healthiest of the team's top players and taken on a bigger role on offense.

Nate Bittle

The Oregon Ducks' center who has averaged 17.8 points per game since returning from injury.

Dana Altman

The head coach of the Oregon Ducks, who has led the team since 2010.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He really puts a lot of pressure on the defense like he always has. He plays with emotion, plays with fire and he backs it up.”

— Greg Gard, Wisconsin head coach (Field Level Media)

“Really proud of them. A tough road win, but guys did a good job.”

— Dana Altman, Oregon head coach (Field Level Media)

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.