Wisconsin Holds Off Minnesota in Close Contest
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Kohl Center
Wisconsin Badgers 67, Minnesota Golden Gophers 63, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Wisconsin Badgers?
Wisconsin Badgers beat Minnesota Golden Gophers 67-63 at Kohl Center on January 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Wisconsin Badgers?
Wisconsin Badgers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -550 (about 85% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Wisconsin Badgers edged out the Minnesota Golden Gophers with a final score of 67-63 at the Kohl Center. This victory extends Wisconsin's winning streak against Minnesota to four games, having previously defeated them 78-75 just two weeks prior on January 14, 2026. The Badgers have now won all three meetings this season, showcasing their dominance over their rivals.
Entering this game, Wisconsin held a home record of 15-6, while Minnesota had a record of 10-11. The Badgers' recent form included a 7-3 record over their last ten games, although they were coming off a loss to the USC Trojans just days before this matchup. Wisconsin averaged 82.1 points scored and allowed 75.2 points during this stretch, indicating a high-scoring style of play. In their last five games, they managed to average 86.8 points while allowing 78.8, reflecting their offensive capabilities despite the recent setback.
On the other hand, the Golden Gophers were struggling, having lost their last five games and holding a record of 5-5 in their last ten. They averaged 72.3 points scored and allowed 67.4 points during this period, but their recent form saw a dip, averaging only 68.4 points while allowing 76.6 in their last five games. Minnesota's away record was particularly concerning, with only one win in their last three away games.
The game was set against a backdrop of competitive odds from DraftKings, who listed Wisconsin as 9.5-point favorites with a moneyline of -550, while Minnesota was at +410. The total for the game was set at 146.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams were expected to field their regular lineups. The conditions at the Kohl Center were typical for a winter evening in Wisconsin, with a packed crowd supporting the Badgers.
As the game unfolded, Wisconsin managed to maintain a slight edge throughout, with key contributions from players like John Blackwell, who was instrumental in the closing moments. Blackwell scored crucial points, including two free throws that sealed the game for the Badgers. The second half saw several lead changes, highlighting the competitive nature of the contest, particularly as Minnesota fought hard to stay in the game.
The final moments were marked by a flurry of scoring plays, including a critical three-pointer from Blackwell that pushed Wisconsin ahead. Minnesota's Grayson Grove also made significant contributions, but ultimately, the Badgers' defense held strong, allowing them to secure the win.
This game not only showcased the rivalry between the two teams but also highlighted Wisconsin's ability to perform under pressure, maintaining their strong record at home. The Badgers will look to build on this victory, while Minnesota will need to regroup as they continue to seek a turnaround in their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WIS -9.5 | 146.5 o -115 / u -105 | Minnesota Golden Gophers +410 · Wisconsin Badgers -550 |
Leaders
- PointsJohn Blackwell23Wisconsin Badgers
- AssistsNick Boyd5Wisconsin Badgers
- ReboundsJohn Blackwell7Wisconsin Badgers
- PointsBobby Durkin20Minnesota Golden Gophers
- AssistsLangston Reynolds5Minnesota Golden Gophers
- ReboundsLangston Reynolds8Minnesota Golden Gophers
Recent form
Wisconsin Badgers
Last 10: 7-3Streak L182.1 scored · 75.2 allowed per game4-2 at home
- L71-73vs USC TrojansJan 25
- W98-71at Penn State Nittany LionsJan 23
- W96-87vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsJan 17
- W78-75at Minnesota Golden GophersJan 14
- W91-88at Michigan WolverinesJan 10
- W80-72vs UCLA BruinsJan 7
- L73-89vs Purdue BoilermakersJan 4
- W80-60vs Milwaukee PanthersDec 31
- W88-61vs Central Michigan ChippewasDec 23
- L66-76at Villanova WildcatsDec 20
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L572.3 scored · 67.4 allowed per game1-2 away
- L57-76vs Nebraska CornhuskersJan 24
- L74-82at Ohio State BuckeyesJan 20
- L67-77at Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 17
- L75-78vs Wisconsin BadgersJan 14
- L69-70vs USC TrojansJan 10
- W70-67vs Iowa HawkeyesJan 7
- W84-78at Northwestern WildcatsJan 3
- W60-43vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsDec 30
- W78-50vs Campbell Fighting CamelsDec 21
- W89-53vs Texas Southern TigersDec 14
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Minnesota Golden Gophers | Wisconsin Badgers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-50 | 19-48 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 11-27 | 13-31 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 42 |
| Free throws | 6-11 | 16-22 |
| Free throw % | 55 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 24 |
| Assists | 12 | 11 |
| Steals | 8 | 4 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 10 |
| Fouls | 19 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 85 | 13 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half35-18John Blackwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half35-19John Blackwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-22Nick Boyd makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half35-25Nick Boyd makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half35-27Nolan Winter makes driving layup (Nick Boyd assists)
- 2nd Half37-27Langston Reynolds makes driving layup (Jaylen Crocker-Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half37-29Austin Rapp makes layup (John Blackwell assists)
- 2nd Half37-32John Blackwell makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half39-32Isaac Asuma makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half39-34Austin Rapp makes layup (Andrew Rohde assists)
- 2nd Half39-37John Blackwell makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half42-37Isaac Asuma makes 24-foot three point jumper (Bobby Durkin assists)
- 2nd Half42-38John Blackwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-39John Blackwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-39Isaac Asuma makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half47-39Isaac Asuma makes 24-foot three point jumper (Langston Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half47-42Nick Boyd makes 23-foot three point jumper (Braeden Carrington assists)
- 2nd Half47-44Nick Boyd makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-44Grayson Grove makes layup (Langston Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half49-45Nick Boyd makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-45Langston Reynolds makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-48Braeden Carrington makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nick Boyd assists)
- 2nd Half50-49Braeden Carrington makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half50-51Nick Boyd makes 7-foot floating jump shot (Jack Janicki assists)
- 2nd Half53-51Isaac Asuma makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half53-54Nick Boyd makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nolan Winter assists)
- 2nd Half53-55Nick Boyd makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-56Nick Boyd makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-56Bobby Durkin makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Crocker-Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half56-57John Blackwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-57Jaylen Crocker-Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-57Jaylen Crocker-Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-60Nolan Winter makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nick Boyd assists)
- 2nd Half61-60Langston Reynolds makes 26-foot three point jumper (Grayson Grove assists)
- 2nd Half61-61John Blackwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-62John Blackwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65John Blackwell makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half63-65Grayson Grove makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half63-66John Blackwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-67John Blackwell makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Wisconsin Badgers, below favours Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Venue
- Kohl CenterMadison, WI
- Attendance14653
- OfficialsLarry Scirotto, Keith Kimble, Owen Shortt
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