Wisconsin Badgers Edge Purdue Boilermakers in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Mackey Arena
Wisconsin Badgers 97, Purdue Boilermakers 93, 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 Purdue Boilermakers?
Wisconsin Badgers beat Purdue Boilermakers 97-93 at Mackey Arena on March 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Wisconsin Badgers vs Purdue Boilermakers?
Purdue Boilermakers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -485 (about 83% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Purdue Boilermakers 97-93 at Mackey Arena. This game was significant not only for its thrilling finish but also for the implications it carries in the NCAAB landscape, showcasing two strong teams vying for positioning as the season progresses.
The Boilermakers entered the game with a home record of 23-8, while the Badgers had an away record of 22-9. Purdue's recent form saw them with a record of 6-4 over their last ten games, currently on a one-game winning streak. They averaged 77.7 points scored per game while allowing 71.2 points. In contrast, Wisconsin had a better recent record of 7-3, riding a two-game winning streak and averaging 81.2 points scored, with 74.4 points allowed. This difference in scoring averages highlighted a potent Wisconsin offense against a Purdue team that had been struggling defensively.
When considering their home and away performances, Purdue had a home record of 2-2 in their last four games, while Wisconsin boasted a perfect 5-0 record in their last five home games, indicating their strength when playing in familiar territory. The previous meetings between these two teams were split, with each team winning one game. Wisconsin had won the most recent encounter on January 4, 2026, with a decisive score of 89-73, while Purdue had lost their previous home matchup against Wisconsin on February 15, 2025, with a score of 84-94.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but any absence of key players could have influenced the game's dynamics. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Boilermakers favored by 9.5 points, with a total set at 154.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in Purdue's ability to perform at home, despite their recent struggles.
The game conditions were typical for a late-season college basketball contest, with both teams eager to secure a win as they approach the postseason. Fans were treated to an exciting back-and-forth affair, with the lead changing hands multiple times in the second half. Key moments included a crucial free throw by Nick Boyd that pushed Wisconsin's lead to 92-88, followed by a three-point jumper from Fletcher Loyer that brought Purdue within one point at 92-91. Wisconsin responded with a series of free throws, ultimately sealing their victory.
Viewers should note the performances of players like Nick Boyd and Fletcher Loyer, who made significant contributions in the closing moments of the game. The final score of 97-93 not only highlights the competitiveness of both teams but also sets the stage for their future matchups as they continue their respective campaigns.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | PUR -9.5 | 154.5 o -105 / u -115 | Wisconsin Badgers +370 · Purdue Boilermakers -485 |
Leaders
- PointsFletcher Loyer23Purdue Boilermakers
- AssistsBraden Smith9Purdue Boilermakers
- ReboundsOscar Cluff8Purdue Boilermakers
- PointsJohn Blackwell25Wisconsin Badgers
- AssistsNick Boyd5Wisconsin Badgers
- ReboundsJohn Blackwell4Wisconsin Badgers
Recent form
Purdue Boilermakers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W177.7 scored · 71.2 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W70-66at Northwestern WildcatsMar 5
- L74-82at Ohio State BuckeyesMar 1
- L74-76vs Michigan State SpartansFeb 27
- W93-64vs Indiana HoosiersFeb 21
- L80-91vs Michigan WolverinesFeb 17
- W78-57at Iowa HawkeyesFeb 14
- W80-77at Nebraska CornhuskersFeb 11
- W68-64vs Oregon DucksFeb 7
- W93-63at Maryland TerrapinsFeb 1
- L67-72at Indiana HoosiersJan 28
Wisconsin Badgers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W281.2 scored · 74.4 allowed per game2-3 away
- W78-45vs Maryland TerrapinsMar 5
- W90-73at Washington HuskiesFeb 28
- L71-85at Oregon DucksFeb 26
- W84-71vs Iowa HawkeyesFeb 22
- L69-86at Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 18
- W92-71vs Michigan State SpartansFeb 14
- W92-90at Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 11
- L77-78at Indiana HoosiersFeb 7
- W92-82vs Ohio State BuckeyesJan 31
- W67-63vs Minnesota Golden GophersJan 29
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 | Purdue Boilermakers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-52 | 34-67 |
| Field goal % | 56 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 18-34 | 11-25 |
| Three-point % | 53 | 44 |
| Free throws | 21-24 | 14-19 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 22 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 15 | 18 |
| Assists | 19 | 20 |
| Steals | 4 | 5 |
| Blocks | 1 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 34 |
| Fouls | 19 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 68 | 28 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half61-56Fletcher Loyer makes driving layup (Braden Smith assists)
- 2nd Half61-57Fletcher Loyer makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-60Fletcher Loyer makes 23-foot three point jumper (C.J. Cox assists)
- 2nd Half61-62Braden Smith makes 11-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half64-62Austin Rapp makes 27-foot three point jumper (Braeden Carrington assists)
- 2nd Half67-62Aleksas Bieliauskas makes 23-foot three point jumper (Braeden Carrington assists)
- 2nd Half69-62Nick Boyd makes 11-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half69-64Oscar Cluff makes 7-foot jumper (Fletcher Loyer assists)
- 2nd Half69-65Jack Benter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-66Braden Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-67Braden Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-67Aleksas Bieliauskas makes 27-foot three point jumper (Andrew Rohde assists)
- 2nd Half72-70Fletcher Loyer makes 23-foot three point jumper (Braden Smith assists)
- 2nd Half72-73Jack Benter makes 24-foot three point jumper (Braden Smith assists)
- 2nd Half75-73John Blackwell makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half75-75Fletcher Loyer makes driving layup
- 2nd Half78-75Andrew Rohde makes 25-foot three point jumper (Austin Rapp assists)
- 2nd Half80-75Nick Boyd makes layup
- 2nd Half81-75Nick Boyd makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half81-77Omer Mayer makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half81-79Oscar Cluff makes driving layup (Omer Mayer assists)
- 2nd Half82-79Austin Rapp makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-79John Blackwell makes layup (Nick Boyd assists)
- 2nd Half84-81Braden Smith makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half86-81Nick Boyd makes driving layup
- 2nd Half86-83Braden Smith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half88-83Nick Boyd makes driving layup
- 2nd Half88-85Braden Smith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half90-85Nick Boyd makes driving layup
- 2nd Half90-87Trey Kaufman-Renn makes layup (Braden Smith assists)
- 2nd Half90-88Trey Kaufman-Renn makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half91-88Nick Boyd makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half92-88Nick Boyd makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half92-91Fletcher Loyer makes 23-foot three point jumper (Braden Smith assists)
- 2nd Half94-91Nick Boyd makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half94-92Oscar Cluff makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half95-92Braeden Carrington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half96-92Braeden Carrington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half96-93Trey Kaufman-Renn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half97-93Nick Boyd makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Purdue Boilermakers, below favours Wisconsin Badgers.
Venue
- Mackey ArenaWest Lafayette, IN
- Attendance14876
- OfficialsD.J. Carstensen, Brian Dorsey, Jeffrey Anderson
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