Wisconsin Badgers' Improved Toughness Fuels Recent Success

The team's fight and resilience have been key factors in their turnaround this season.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:31pm

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The Wisconsin Badgers have surged up the Big Ten standings in recent weeks, and their success is not solely due to improved shooting. Rather, the team has developed greater toughness, physicality, and resiliency, which has allowed them to overcome early deficits and grind out victories. This was on full display in their come-from-behind win over Minnesota, where the Badgers rallied from 20 points down in the second half to win 67-63.

Why it matters

Wisconsin's newfound grit and determination have been crucial in their ability to sustain success in the highly competitive Big Ten. After struggling early in the season, the team has shown it can win tough, physical games by leaning on its defense and team leadership when the shots aren't falling.

The details

In the Minnesota game, Wisconsin shot just 17.4% in the first half and trailed by 18 points at the break. However, led by John Blackwell's 18 second-half points and strong efforts from Nick Boyd and Nolan Winter, the Badgers clawed their way back to pull off the second-largest comeback in program history. Head coach Greg Gard credited the team's improved toughness and fight, which was lacking in some of their early-season losses.

  • On Wednesday, January 29, 2026, Wisconsin overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat Minnesota 67-63.
  • On Sunday, January 26, 2026, Wisconsin lost a close 2-point game against USC despite a poor offensive performance.

The players

John Blackwell

A Wisconsin player who scored 18 points in the second half to fuel the team's comeback against Minnesota.

Nick Boyd

A Wisconsin player who scored 19 points in the second half and dished out 3 assists to help the Badgers rally against Minnesota.

Nolan Winter

A Wisconsin player who contributed 5 points and 4 rebounds in the second half as the Badgers fought back against Minnesota.

Jack Janicki

A Wisconsin player who made key defensive plays, including drawing a charge and stealing a pass, to help preserve the Badgers' comeback win over Minnesota.

Greg Gard

The head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers, who challenged his team's leaders to step up in the second half against Minnesota and has praised the team's improved toughness and fight this season.

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What they’re saying

“We couldn't put our heads down or we were going to lose that game.”

— John Blackwell (si.com)

“For how we shot the ball Sunday, we probably should have lost by 30. I thought our fight (against USC) wasn't good enough, but I thought our fight at least gave us a little bit of a chance on Sunday.”

— Greg Gard, Head Coach (si.com)

“We've gotten a toughness to us that we didn't have in November. We got some fight to us. They're not there all the time yet, but we've got more toughness to us than we had, like i said, back in November, early December.”

— Greg Gard, Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The Badgers will look to continue their improved play and fight as they face a tough upcoming schedule in the Big Ten.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's turnaround this season has been fueled by a newfound toughness and resilience that was lacking earlier in the year. This grit has allowed the Badgers to overcome early deficits and grind out victories, showcasing their ability to win tough, physical games in the Big Ten.