Badger Dominance: Wisconsin's Second-Half Surge Crushes Gophers, Extends Border Battle Win Streak to Eight
Paul Riverbank, 1/12/2025In a compelling display of collegiate basketball dominance, Wisconsin's 80-59 triumph over Minnesota showcases more than just athletic prowess. This victory, marked by a transformative second-half performance and extending their impressive winning streak, underscores the program's sustained excellence and strategic depth in Big Ten competition.
In a commanding display of basketball prowess, the Wisconsin Badgers extended their winning streak to five games with a decisive 80-59 victory over Minnesota on Friday night — a performance that highlighted both their offensive versatility and their continued dominance in this storied rivalry.
The game's narrative unfolded in two distinct chapters, with the first half offering little indication of the offensive explosion that would follow. Leading by a mere point at halftime (30-29), the Badgers transformed into an offensive juggernaut in the second period, posting an impressive 50-point half that left the Gophers searching for answers.
This victory, while significant in its own right, adds another chapter to Wisconsin's remarkable supremacy over their border rivals. The Badgers have now won eight consecutive matchups against Minnesota and hold an astounding 17-2 record in their last 19 meetings — a statistical dominance that speaks volumes about the program's consistency and tactical superiority.
The game's turning point emerged early in the second half when Nolan Winter's crucial three-pointer ignited a devastating 13-2 run. This sequence, punctuated by additional three-pointers from John Blackwell and Steven Crowl, established a 10-point lead that would only grow as the game progressed.
Particularly noteworthy was the Badgers' exceptional shooting performance after the break. The team connected on 8 of 15 attempts from beyond the arc and achieved a remarkable 58 percent shooting efficiency overall in the second half. Steven Crowl led all scorers with 18 points, while John Tonje and Kamari McGee contributed 16 and 15 points respectively.
McGee's performance deserves special mention — making his first start, he complemented his scoring with three steals and three successful three-point shots, demonstrating the kind of two-way impact that coaches dream about.
For Minnesota, this defeat carries additional significance as they fall to 0-5 in Big Ten Conference play — their worst start since the 2015-16 season when they opened conference play with thirteen consecutive losses. At 8-8 overall, the Gophers face an increasingly uphill battle to salvage their season.
The victory wasn't just about individual performances; it was a masterclass in team basketball. The Badgers demonstrated their depth with contributions across the roster, including Markus Iver's six points off the bench and strong rebounding performances from Tonje and Winter, who each grabbed six boards.
As Wisconsin (13-3, 3-2) prepares to host Ohio State on Tuesday night, they carry not just a five-game winning streak, but momentum that could prove crucial in their pursuit of Big Ten supremacy. Their perfect record in 2025 remains intact, and based on this performance, they show no signs of slowing down.
