Wisconsin, Ohio State Clash in Big Ten Showdown

Badgers and Buckeyes feature dynamic backcourt duos in key conference matchup

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:07am

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The Saturday, Jan. 31 meeting at the Kohl Center between the Wisconsin Badgers (14-6 overall, 7-3 in the Big Ten) and the Ohio State Buckeyes (15-6, 6-4) features a clash of the Big Ten's most explosive backcourt duos. Wisconsin's Nick Boyd and John Blackwell have combined to form a potent scoring attack, while Ohio State counters with Bruce Thornton and John Mobley Jr., who are also averaging over 16 points per game this season.

Why it matters

This Big Ten matchup between two teams looking to solidify their conference tournament positioning features a battle of star guards that could come down to the wire. The outcome could have significant implications for the Badgers and Buckeyes' postseason aspirations.

The details

Boyd and Blackwell combined for 44 points in Wisconsin's comeback win over Minnesota on Jan. 28, with Boyd scoring 19 of his 21 points in the second half. Thornton leads Ohio State in scoring at 19.6 points per game, while Mobley has averaged 25.3 points and five three-pointers in his last four contests. Thornton is also closing in on Ohio State's all-time scoring list, needing just two points to pass former Milwaukee Buck Michael Redd for sixth place.

  • The game is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

The players

Nick Boyd

Wisconsin guard who has formed a dynamic backcourt duo with teammate John Blackwell.

John Blackwell

Wisconsin guard who has combined with Nick Boyd to form the Big Ten's most explosive backcourt.

Bruce Thornton

Ohio State guard who leads the Buckeyes in scoring at 19.6 points per game and is closing in on the school's all-time scoring list.

John Mobley Jr.

Ohio State guard who has averaged 25.3 points and five three-pointers per game over his last four contests.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

This Big Ten clash between the Badgers and Buckeyes features a battle of star-studded backcourts that could come down to the wire, with significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.