Wisconsin Badgers Blow Out No. 10 Michigan State

The Badgers notched their third win over a top-10 team, including their second this week, blowing out the Spartans 92-71 at home.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team defeated the 10th-ranked Michigan State Spartans 92-71 on Friday night at the Kohl Center in Madison. The Badgers led for nearly the entire game and never trailed, putting on an offensive clinic against one of the top defensive teams in the country. Wisconsin shot 61% from the field and made 15 three-pointers in the dominant victory.

Why it matters

This win is the Badgers' third over a top-10 team this season, including their second such victory this week. It showcases Wisconsin's ability to compete with and defeat elite teams, raising hopes that the Badgers can make a deep run in the upcoming NCAA Tournament after a disappointing early exit last year.

The details

Wisconsin took control of the game early, opening up a 32-14 lead midway through the first half with a 15-0 run. The Badgers' offense was firing on all cylinders, scoring 1.44 points per possession and getting 21 points from their bench. Senior guard Nick Boyd led the way with a game-high 29 points, while Michigan State star Jeremy Fears was held in check, scoring just 14 points on 3-of-12 shooting.

  • The Badgers led for 39:13 and never trailed.
  • Wisconsin scored on 61% of its offensive possessions.

The players

Greg Gard

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

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team.

Jeremy Fears

A sophomore guard for the Michigan State Spartans who had been averaging 22.3 points and 12 assists per game in his previous five games, but was held to just 14 points on 3-of-12 shooting in this game.

Nick Boyd

A senior guard for the Wisconsin Badgers who scored a game-high 29 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including 20 points in the first half.

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The takeaway

Wisconsin's dominant offensive performance against a top-10 Michigan State team, which included three wins over ranked opponents this season, has raised expectations for the Badgers heading into the NCAA Tournament. Their ability to score at a high level and never be out of a game makes them a dangerous team that could make a deep postseason run.