Wisconsin Badgers Defeat Penn State Nittany Lions 98-71
Thursday, January 22, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Bryce Jordan Center
Wisconsin Badgers 98, Penn State Nittany Lions 71, 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 Wisconsin Badgers vs Penn State Nittany Lions?
Wisconsin Badgers beat Penn State Nittany Lions 98-71 at Bryce Jordan Center on January 22, 2026.
Who was favored in Wisconsin Badgers vs Penn State Nittany Lions?
Wisconsin Badgers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -270 (about 73% implied). The favorite won.
The Wisconsin Badgers showcased their dominance with a decisive 98-71 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Bryce Jordan Center. This matchup highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, as Wisconsin extended their winning streak to five games while Penn State suffered their fifth consecutive loss.
Entering the game, Wisconsin had an impressive away record of 14-5, bolstered by a recent strong performance with a record of 7-3 in their last ten games. They averaged 80.8 points scored and allowed 77.4 points during this stretch. In stark contrast, Penn State struggled significantly, holding a home record of 9-10 and a dismal 2-8 record in their last ten games, averaging 72.2 points scored while allowing 81.9 points.
The Badgers' recent form has been characterized by a potent offense, as evidenced by their last five games where they averaged 83.6 points scored, while allowing 82.2 points. Their latest victory came against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, where they won 96-87. In contrast, Penn State's last five games have seen them average just 71.0 points scored while allowing 81.4 points, a concerning trend that continued in this matchup.
The game unfolded in a manner that reflected the teams' current trajectories. Wisconsin's Mason Blackwood was a standout performer, contributing significantly to the scoreline with key plays in the second half, including a 23-foot three-point jumper that pushed the score to 94-64. The Badgers' ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities was evident, as they maintained control throughout the game.
In terms of previous meetings, this was the second encounter between the two teams in the current season, with Wisconsin having won the first matchup 86-75 on March 8, 2025. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as Penn State aimed to turn the tide against their rivals.
Injury concerns were not highlighted in the provided block, suggesting both teams may have fielded their strongest lineups. However, the impact of recent form and confidence levels likely played a significant role in the outcome.
As for the betting market, DraftKings had Wisconsin favored with a spread of 5.5 points, indicating expectations for a competitive game. The total points line was set at 157.5, reflecting the anticipated scoring capabilities of both teams. The odds for Wisconsin to win outright were -270, while Penn State's moneyline was set at 220, further underscoring the perceived disparity between the two squads.
The conditions at the Bryce Jordan Center were typical for a mid-season college basketball game, with fans present to support their teams. The atmosphere likely favored the home side, but Wisconsin's performance quickly quelled any home-court advantage.
Viewers watching the game were treated to a display of offensive prowess from Wisconsin, particularly in the second half, where they outscored Penn State significantly. Key moments included Blackwood's three-point shot and free throws that contributed to the Badgers' commanding lead. The final score of 98-71 not only reflected the game's outcome but also underscored the challenges facing Penn State as they continue to seek improvement in their performance.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WIS -5.5 | 157.5 o -105 / u -115 | Wisconsin Badgers -270 · Penn State Nittany Lions +220 |
Leaders
- PointsJosh Reed18Penn State Nittany Lions
- AssistsKayden Mingo5Penn State Nittany Lions
- ReboundsIvan Juric12Penn State Nittany Lions
- PointsBraeden Carrington17Wisconsin Badgers
- AssistsAndrew Rohde6Wisconsin Badgers
- ReboundsNolan Winter10Wisconsin Badgers
Recent form
Penn State Nittany Lions
Last 10: 2-8Streak L572.2 scored · 81.9 allowed per game2-5 at home
- L73-96at Maryland TerrapinsJan 18
- L60-71vs UCLA BruinsJan 15
- L85-93at Purdue BoilermakersJan 10
- L72-74vs Michigan WolverinesJan 7
- L65-73vs Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 4
- W90-67vs North Carolina Central EaglesDec 29
- L46-80vs Pittsburgh PanthersDec 21
- L72-76vs Michigan State SpartansDec 13
- L72-113at Indiana HoosiersDec 10
- W87-76vs Campbell Fighting CamelsDec 2
Wisconsin Badgers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W480.8 scored · 77.4 allowed per game2-2 away
- 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
- L60-90at Nebraska CornhuskersDec 11
- W96-76vs Marquette Golden EaglesDec 6
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 | Wisconsin Badgers | Penn State Nittany Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 36-71 | 23-64 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 36 |
| Three-pointers | 15-35 | 8-27 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 30 |
| Free throws | 11-15 | 17-23 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 24 |
| Assists | 25 | 11 |
| Steals | 5 | 4 |
| Blocks | 4 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 19 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 18 |
| Fouls | 16 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 37 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 85 | 11 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half61-30John Blackwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-30John Blackwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-33Freddie Dilione V makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kayden Mingo assists)
- 2nd Half64-33Nolan Winter makes layup (Andrew Rohde assists)
- 2nd Half64-35Kayden Mingo makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half66-35Austin Rapp makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half66-38Josh Reed makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kayden Mingo assists)
- 2nd Half68-38John Blackwell makes 9-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half68-40Josh Reed makes layup
- 2nd Half68-42Freddie Dilione V makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half70-42Austin Rapp makes 2-foot dunk (Nolan Winter assists)
- 2nd Half71-42Austin Rapp makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half73-42Nolan Winter makes layup (Austin Rapp assists)
- 2nd Half75-42Nick Boyd makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half75-43Dominick Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-44Dominick Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-44Andrew Rohde makes 24-foot three point jumper (Austin Rapp assists)
- 2nd Half78-47Freddie Dilione V makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ivan Juric assists)
- 2nd Half81-47Austin Rapp makes 23-foot three point jumper (Andrew Rohde assists)
- 2nd Half84-47Zach Kinziger makes 27-foot three point jumper (Austin Rapp assists)
- 2nd Half84-48Josh Reed makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-49Josh Reed makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-51Ivan Juric makes layup (Dominick Stewart assists)
- 2nd Half86-51Austin Rapp makes driving layup
- 2nd Half86-53Ivan Juric makes layup (Kayden Mingo assists)
- 2nd Half86-54Ivan Juric makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half88-54Hayden Jones makes driving layup (Jack Janicki assists)
- 2nd Half88-56Freddie Dilione V makes driving layup
- 2nd Half91-56Zach Kinziger makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jack Janicki assists)
- 2nd Half91-59Freddie Dilione V makes 24-foot three point jumper (Josh Reed assists)
- 2nd Half91-61Dominick Stewart makes 19-foot jumper
- 2nd Half94-61Jack Janicki makes 23-foot three point jumper (Will Garlock assists)
- 2nd Half94-64Mason Blackwood makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dominick Stewart assists)
- 2nd Half95-64Jack Robison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half95-65Mason Blackwood makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half95-66Mason Blackwood makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half95-67Mason Blackwood makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half95-68Mason Blackwood makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half98-68Jack Robison makes 23-foot three point jumper (Zach Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half98-71Mason Blackwood makes 23-foot three point jumper (Freddie Dilione V assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Penn State Nittany Lions, below favours Wisconsin Badgers.
Venue
- Bryce Jordan CenterUniversity Park, PA
- Attendance5774
- OfficialsTim Comer, Kipp Kissinger, Jason Phillips
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