Wisconsin Blasts Maryland, Keeps Pace in Big Ten

Badgers bolster postseason seeding hopes with dominant win over Terrapins

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Maryland Terrapins 78-45 in a Big Ten matchup on Wednesday in Madison, Wisconsin. Braeden Carrington came off the bench to score 18 points, while John Blackwell added 14 for the Badgers. Wisconsin's leading rebounder, Nolan Winter, suffered an apparent left leg injury and did not return. The win keeps Wisconsin tied for fifth in the Big Ten standings, a game-and-a-half behind 11th-ranked Illinois.

Why it matters

This victory is crucial for Wisconsin's postseason seeding hopes as they look to secure a top-four finish in the Big Ten and earn a double bye in the conference tournament. The Badgers have been one of the more consistent teams in the league this season and this dominant win over Maryland demonstrates their ability to win convincingly at home.

The details

Wisconsin jumped out to a 34-21 halftime lead and then pulled away in the second half, going on an 11-0 run early in the period to take a 45-24 advantage. The Badgers got strong bench production, outscoring Maryland 39-10 in that category, and also had a 16-3 edge in points off turnovers. Carrington had 13 first-half points to pace Wisconsin, which hit 6-of-9 3-pointers in the final 10 minutes of the opening half after missing its first nine attempts.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, March 5, 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin.
  • Wisconsin's leading rebounder, Nolan Winter, was injured with 7:01 remaining in the game.

The players

Braeden Carrington

A Wisconsin player who came off the bench to score 18 points in the game.

John Blackwell

A Wisconsin player who scored 14 points in the victory.

Nolan Winter

Wisconsin's leading rebounder who suffered an apparent left leg injury and did not return to the game.

Andre Mills

A Maryland player who scored 14 points in the losing effort.

Elijah Saunders

A Maryland player who scored 11 points in the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Wisconsin closes the regular season on Saturday, March 8th with a road game at 15th-ranked Purdue. The Badgers are currently tied for fifth in the Big Ten standings and are looking to secure a top-four finish to earn a double bye in the conference tournament.

The takeaway

This dominant victory over Maryland keeps Wisconsin firmly in the hunt for a top-four seed in the Big Ten tournament, which would give them a valuable double bye. The Badgers' strong bench play and ability to limit turnovers were key factors in this lopsided win as they continue their push for an NCAA Tournament berth.