Wisconsin Honors Seniors With Blowout Win on Senior Day

Badgers rout Maryland 78-45 to send off four-year players in style

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Wisconsin Badgers celebrated their senior class with a dominant 78-45 victory over the Maryland Terrapins on Senior Night at the Kohl Center. Led by junior guard John Blackwell's 14 points, the Badgers overcame a slow start to pull away for the blowout win, honoring their four-year seniors Andrew Rohde, Isaac Gard, Nick Boyd, and Braeden Carrington. The emotional night was highlighted by a deep 3-pointer from walk-on senior Isaac Gard in the final minutes, bringing the crowd to its feet.

Why it matters

This game was a chance for the Badgers to send off their senior class on a high note after a disappointing Senior Day loss the previous season. The team was extra motivated to ensure their seniors, who have been integral parts of the program, got to celebrate with a victory in their final home game.

The details

Wisconsin jumped out to a slow start offensively, but junior guard John Blackwell scored 7 of the team's first 11 points to get the Badgers going. Blackwell finished with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, overcoming a recent rough stretch. The Badgers pulled away in the second half, leading by as many as 33 points and honoring each senior individually with a curtain call. The biggest cheer came when walk-on senior Isaac Gard, the coach's son, hit a deep 3-pointer in the final minutes.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
  • Wisconsin's previous Senior Day loss was in 2025.

The players

John Blackwell

A junior guard for the Wisconsin Badgers who scored 14 points in the win.

Andrew Rohde

One of four Wisconsin seniors honored on Senior Night.

Isaac Gard

A walk-on senior for the Badgers who hit a deep 3-pointer in the final minutes, bringing the crowd to its feet.

Nick Boyd

One of four Wisconsin seniors honored on Senior Night.

Braeden Carrington

One of four Wisconsin seniors honored on Senior Night.

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What they’re saying

“It felt special. How I felt last year — obviously a game you're not supposed to think about, last year I cried after we lost that game. Those guys gave so much to me, brought so much into my life, and made me appreciate basketball, appreciate the camaraderie of what Wisconsin is.”

— John Blackwell, Junior Guard (on3.com)

“You couldn't have scripted the end there. The possession before it, they called a special for him. That didn't come from the bench. Jack Robison called one of ours. He was making sure everyone knew where they needed to go when the free throws were being shot on the other end.”

— Greg Gard, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The Badgers will await their seeding and matchup for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's emotional Senior Night victory highlighted the strong bond between the players and the program, as the team rallied around its four-year seniors to deliver a dominant performance and send them off in style at the Kohl Center.