Wisconsin Shocks Undefeated Michigan with Dominant 3-Point Performance
In a stunning turn of events, the unranked Wisconsin Badgers toppled the previously unbeaten No. 2 Michigan Wolverines in a wild 91-88 upset. Michigan’s undefeated streak snapped, and Wisconsin’s resilience took center stage.
The game, played in Ann Arbor, saw the Badgers erase a 14-point deficit. Their comeback hinged on hot shooting from beyond the arc and some gutsy individual efforts.
Wisconsin’s Remarkable Comeback
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Michigan started strong, holding a 14-point lead in the first half. But Wisconsin didn’t fold; they regrouped and adjusted their strategy.
The Badgers shot 15 of 33 from three-point range and hit 50 percent overall. John Blackwell led the way with 26 points, while Aleksas Bieliauskas chipped in 17, including 5 of 10 from deep.
Key Players and Performances
Several Badgers made their mark in this unexpected win:
- John Blackwell: He poured in 26 points, keeping Wisconsin alive when things looked bleak.
- Aleksas Bieliauskas: Bieliauskas’ 3-point shooting (5 of 10) kept the scoreboard moving.
- Nick Boyd: Boyd broke down Michigan’s defense, scoring 22 and handing out six assists.
Michigan’s Defensive Struggles
Michigan came in with the nation’s top field-goal defense. But they just couldn’t slow down Wisconsin’s shooters.
Before this game, the Wolverines held opponents to 38.7 percent from two and 28.8 percent from three. Wisconsin’s accuracy exposed some real cracks in their defense.
Coaching Insights
Michigan coach Dusty May admitted the defense had issues, especially with Nick Boyd, who kept breaking them down off the dribble. “We probably underestimated how fast Boyd is to his left hand,” May said.
Michigan had been on a six-week hot streak, but this loss jolted them. Sometimes, you need that wake-up call, right?
The Turning Point
With 35.2 seconds left, Aday Mara’s putback dunk could’ve tied it up, but officials called basket interference. That kept Wisconsin ahead.
Braeden Carrington’s free throws stretched the lead, and Roddy Gayle Jr.’s last-second three-pointer missed. Wisconsin sealed the upset, and the crowd couldn’t believe it.
Implications for Both Teams
For Wisconsin, this is their first win over a top-two team since the 2018-19 season. It’s a big moment for them, and you could sense the confidence growing.
Coach Greg Gard praised his team’s belief and grit. Wins like this can change the direction of a season.
Michigan, meanwhile, has to regroup. Coach May mentioned the team’s practice habits had slipped, and it showed.
“Our processes have been sliding a little bit,” May admitted. Sometimes, a tough loss is the only thing that gets your attention.
Looking Ahead
Both teams have work to do. Wisconsin will try to ride this momentum and stay consistent.
Michigan needs to tighten up on defense and lock in at practice. The Wolverines are still dangerous, but this loss reminds everyone how tough it is to stay on top.
Nebraska’s Undefeated Streak
With Michigan’s loss, Nebraska stands as the only undefeated team in the Big Ten. They’re now sitting at a 16-0 record.
This twist adds some real drama to the conference standings. The next few weeks are shaping up to be packed with can’t-miss matchups.
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For more details on this wild game, check out the full report on the New York Times.
