Wisconsin, Minnesota Seek to Rebound From Tough Home Losses

Badgers and Gophers look to bounce back after suffering defeats at home in Big Ten matchup

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:15am

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Wisconsin and Minnesota, two Big Ten men's basketball teams, are trying to recover from painful home losses as they prepare to face each other on Wednesday. Wisconsin lost a 12-point second-half lead to USC, while Minnesota blew a halftime advantage against Nebraska. Both teams are looking to avoid consecutive home defeats and get back on track in conference play.

Why it matters

These two programs have been among the most consistent in the Big Ten in recent years, so their struggles at home are noteworthy. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for their conference standings and NCAA Tournament hopes as the season progresses.

The details

Wisconsin let a 12-point second-half lead slip away in a 73-71 loss to USC on Sunday, snapping their five-game winning streak. Nick Boyd had 29 points but missed a potential game-tying shot in the closing seconds. Meanwhile, Minnesota led Nebraska 36-30 at halftime on Saturday, but the Cornhuskers rallied in the second half to win 76-57, handing the Gophers their fifth consecutive defeat.

  • Wisconsin's last home loss prior to Sunday was to then-No. 5 Purdue earlier this season.
  • Minnesota has lost five straight games after their previous meeting with Wisconsin on January 13.

The players

Nick Boyd

A Wisconsin player who scored a team-high 29 points in the loss to USC.

Greg Gard

The head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team.

Cade Tyson

Minnesota's leading scorer, averaging 20.1 points per game.

Niko Medved

The head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball team.

John Blackwell

A Wisconsin player who scored a game-high 27 points in the teams' previous meeting on January 13.

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What they’re saying

“I just feel like we took our foot off the gas... We had that lead, you know, toughness plays, rebounds, offensive rebounds and then maybe got a little bit comfortable.”

— Nick Boyd (statenews.net)

“You don't get discouraged. You have to make sure you keep taking the right shots and keep shooting, and good things will continue to happen.”

— Greg Gard, Wisconsin Head Coach (statenews.net)

“I told the guys after the game, I thought for the first time kind of down the stretch, they kind of looked like they lost their spirit. I thought Nebraska really kind of broke us here (Saturday) and that hasn't happened to this team in a long time.”

— Niko Medved, Minnesota Head Coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

The outcome of Wednesday's matchup between Wisconsin and Minnesota could have significant implications for their conference standings and NCAA Tournament hopes as the season progresses.

The takeaway

This game represents an important opportunity for both Wisconsin and Minnesota to bounce back from tough home losses and regain momentum in Big Ten play. The Badgers and Gophers have been among the most consistent programs in the conference in recent years, so their struggles at home are noteworthy and will be closely watched as they look to get back on track.