URGENT UPDATE: In a stunning performance, Nick Boyd scored a career-high 25 points to lead the No. 24 Wisconsin Badgers to a decisive 97-72 victory over the Northern Illinois Huskies on November 10, 2023, in Madison, Wisconsin. Boyd, who netted 20 of those points in an explosive first half, surpassed his previous best of 24 points set last season with San Diego State.
This win marks Wisconsin’s second consecutive victory, improving their record to 2-0 as they build momentum in the early season. Boyd, a key player who also contributed to Florida Atlantic’s 2023 Final Four run, showcased his scoring ability by shooting 8 for 16 from the field, including 3 for 8 from beyond the arc.
Wisconsin established a commanding lead early on, jumping ahead 20-5 within the first few minutes of the game. The Badgers’ offense was bolstered by contributions from returning starters. John Blackwell added 15 points and Nolan Winter chipped in 12 points as Wisconsin controlled the game throughout.
The Badgers displayed dominance on the boards, out-rebounding Northern Illinois 36-25, which included a staggering 15-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. This led to a significant 21-2 edge in second-chance points. Despite a challenging second half where Wisconsin hit only 3 of 17 shots, they maintained a solid lead, finishing the game shooting 49.2% overall and 28 for 37 from the free-throw line, good for 75.7%.
Wisconsin’s strong start was crucial, as they hit eight of their first ten shots and quickly established control. A jumper from Blackwell in the closing seconds of the first half ended a more than eight-minute scoring drought, but the Badgers still led 52-33 at halftime.
Looking ahead, Wisconsin is set to host Ball State on Tuesday, while Northern Illinois will face Grand Canyon on Monday. This matchup will be pivotal for both teams as they continue to navigate the early stages of the season.
The victory solidifies Wisconsin’s position as a formidable contender in college basketball, and fans are eager to see how the team builds on this success. With Boyd’s standout performance, the Badgers are poised for an exciting season ahead.
