Wisconsin basketball USC Trojans game takeaways, John Blackwell stats

Western travel didn’t stop the Wisconsin Badgers (15-3, 5-2 Big Ten) from continuing their stellar stretch of play, as they defeated USC (11-7, 3-4 Big Ten) 84-69 on Saturday.

The game followed a similar script to the Badgers’ recent win over Ohio State: a strong first half with a lights-out defensive performance, followed by a tightly contested second frame.

This time, however, Wisconsin did not need last-minute free throws to seal the victory. It weathered an extended USC run that cut its lead from 19 points to three with 10:44 remaining, responding with a decisive run of its own. Important baskets from Max Klesmit, John Blackwell and Kamari McGee were critical to a late-game surge that led to a final 15-point margin.

Blackwell was terrific throughout the contest, leading the Badgers with 28 points and five rebounds on 10-of-16 shooting. Klesmit was the other offensive star of the night — 18 points (13 in the second half), two rebounds, four assists and two steals on seven-of-14 shooting. Other notable tallies include 10 important bench points from McGee and a strong 13 points, five rebounds and three assists from Nolan Winter.

The Badgers extend their win streak to seven games with the victory, continuing to climb up the Big Ten standings. They now remain in Los Angeles, California for a Tuesday night matchup at UCLA (12-6, 3-4 Big Ten). Before the page is turned, here are big takeaways from an encouraging win over the Trojans.

Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard reacts to a play Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, during the NCAA men’s basketball game against the Butler Bulldogs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Alex Martin/Journal and Courier-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

USC entered Saturday ranked No. 65 in KenPom and No. 72 in the NCAA NET Rankings. Those marks were both on the rise after the Trojans notched big wins over Illinois and Iowa in its last two games.

Wisconsin’s performance on the road at USC shouldn’t be discounted as ‘just another win over an inferior opponent.’ There is no disputing that the Badgers are the better team. But the Trojans entered Saturday as one of the hottest groups in the Big Ten, rounding into form after a tough start to the season.

Any road win in Big Ten play should carry weight, especially on a West Coast road trip. Nobody should understate the importance of Greg Gard’s team continuing to add tallies to its conference win total.

Jan 6, 2025;…