Wisconsin Builds Big Lead, Withstands Ohio State Rally

In a thrilling college basketball matchup on January 15, 2025, No. 24 Wisconsin secured a hard-fought victory over Ohio State, surviving a late-game rally by the Buckeyes to win 78-72 at the Kohl Center in Madison. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Wisconsin jumping to a commanding lead early, only to see Ohio State claw their way back into contention in the second half. But the Badgers’ ability to execute in the final minutes helped them hold on for the win, preserving their position in the upper echelon of the Big Ten Conference.

A Strong Start for Wisconsin

From the opening tip, Wisconsin showed why they were ranked No. 24 in the nation. The Badgers’ defense was stifling, and their offense was efficient, powered by a balanced attack from both their guards and forwards. Senior guard Tyler Davis set the tone early with a quick three-pointer and some aggressive drives to the basket. He was supported by sophomore forward Ethan McCarthy, who dominated the boards and found success in the post, scoring with ease over Ohio State’s defenders.

Wisconsin’s defense was especially impressive in the first half, holding Ohio State to just 28% shooting from the field in the opening 20 minutes. The Badgers played a disciplined, man-to-man defense, forcing Ohio State into contested shots and making it difficult for the Buckeyes to find any rhythm. Every time Ohio State tried to make a run, Wisconsin would answer with a bucket, keeping their lead comfortable.

By halftime, the Badgers had built a commanding 42-27 lead. Wisconsin was shooting 52% from the field and had already forced eight turnovers, which they turned into easy fast-break points. Ohio State, on the other hand, looked disjointed offensively. Star guard Jaden Moore, who had been playing some of the best basketball of his career coming into this game, struggled with his shot, finishing the first half with just five points on 2-of-8 shooting.

The Buckeyes’ head coach, Chris Holtmann, would have had plenty to address during the break. Ohio State needed to find a way to disrupt Wisconsin’s offense, and Moore needed to find his rhythm if the Buckeyes were going to mount any kind of serious comeback.

Ohio State’s Resurgence

After the halftime break, Ohio State came out with a much more aggressive and focused approach. Coach Holtmann made a few key adjustments, switching to a more up-tempo style of play, and it paid off quickly. The Buckeyes started to find success on offense, and their defense improved as they started to pressure Wisconsin’s ball handlers more effectively.

Jaden Moore emerged as the catalyst for the Buckeyes in the second half. After a quiet first half, Moore came out firing, hitting a couple of quick three-pointers to get his team back in the game. He was more assertive with the ball, driving to the basket and drawing fouls, and his ability to distribute to teammates opened up Ohio State’s offense.

The Buckeyes also began to hit their shots from beyond the arc, something that had eluded them in the first half. Sophomore guard Xavier Brown was especially lethal, knocking down three consecutive three-pointers that brought the Buckeyes within striking distance. Brown’s perimeter shooting was crucial in making Wisconsin’s lead feel less secure. With Ohio State’s offense clicking, the game that had seemed like a blowout was now very much up for grabs.

Defensively, Ohio State found ways to disrupt Wisconsin’s half-court offense. The Badgers struggled to move the ball as effectively as they had in the first half, and the Buckeyes’ aggressive press forced a few turnovers. With each defensive stop, the energy in the arena shifted, and the Ohio State bench became increasingly vocal, sensing that a potential comeback was in the works.

By the 12-minute mark of the second half, Ohio State had trimmed the Badgers’ lead to just six points, 58-52. The crowd at the Kohl Center, which had been buzzing with excitement during Wisconsin’s first-half dominance, started to get nervous as the Buckeyes inched closer. Wisconsin’s offense stalled, and the Buckeyes seemed to have all the momentum.

Wisconsin Responds Under Pressure

Despite Ohio State’s resurgence, Wisconsin was not ready to give up their lead. The Badgers dug in and started to execute more methodically in the final 10 minutes. Head coach Greg Gard called for a series of isolation plays for Tyler Davis, who had been a consistent scorer throughout the game. Davis, who finished with 22 points and seven assists, showed his experience by calmly knocking down mid-range jumpers and getting to the free-throw line. His poise in the clutch moments helped the Badgers stem the tide and keep Ohio State at arm’s length.

Ethan McCarthy, who had been a force on the boards all game long, continued to be a key contributor. His presence in the paint disrupted Ohio State’s ability to score easy buckets, and his tenacity on the glass allowed Wisconsin to maintain possession during crucial possessions. McCarthy finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds, and his rebounding was instrumental in helping Wisconsin control the tempo of the game in the final stages.

Wisconsin’s defense also tightened up, forcing Ohio State into a series of tough shots down the stretch. The Badgers were able to disrupt Moore’s offensive flow, and when Ohio State had the ball, Wisconsin ensured that the Buckeyes were never able to fully capitalize on their late-game momentum.

With just under five minutes remaining, Wisconsin’s lead had dropped to just three points, 68-65, but the Badgers answered with a key sequence. Tyler Davis sank two free throws after being fouled on a drive, and McCarthy followed with a putback off an offensive rebound, pushing the lead back to seven points with just over three minutes left.

Ohio State had one final push in them, as they pulled within four points with under a minute remaining, but Wisconsin’s free-throw shooting was perfect down the stretch. Davis, McCarthy, and junior guard Marcus Jordan all hit their foul shots in the final moments to secure the victory.

Key Performances

Tyler Davis was the star of the game for Wisconsin. His 22-point, seven-assist performance was crucial, and his leadership in the final minutes helped the Badgers fend off Ohio State’s late rally. Davis showed maturity and poise when the game was on the line, taking control of the offense and making key plays.

Ethan McCarthy was another standout, finishing with 14 points and 12 rebounds. His presence in the paint on both ends of the floor was critical to Wisconsin’s success. McCarthy’s ability to disrupt Ohio State’s offense and finish around the rim gave the Badgers the edge in this contest.

For Ohio State, Jaden Moore was the top performer, finishing with 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. His second-half explosion was key to the Buckeyes’ rally, but he was not able to get enough help from his teammates when it mattered most. Xavier Brown also contributed significantly with 15 points, including three crucial three-pointers, but Ohio State could not capitalize on their late-game momentum.

What This Win Means for Wisconsin

With the victory, Wisconsin improves to 15-4 on the season and 6-2 in Big Ten play, maintaining their position as one of the top teams in the conference. The Badgers will look to continue their strong play as they head into the heart of the Big Ten schedule. This win was a testament to their resilience, as they were able to withstand a powerful comeback from a talented Ohio State team.

Wisconsin’s defense, which had been a key factor in their success all season, was once again a difference-maker. Even though Ohio State surged in the second half, the Badgers were able to clamp down defensively when it mattered most and execute their offensive sets under pressure.

Coach Greg Gard will be pleased with the performance of his team, especially in how they handled the adversity of Ohio State’s rally. As the season progresses, games like this—where Wisconsin is able to control the game early and then weather a late storm—will provide invaluable experience as they look to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

What’s Next for Ohio State?

Ohio State, meanwhile, falls to 12-7 on the season and 4-4 in conference play. The Buckeyes showed signs of life in the second half but could not sustain their momentum long enough to complete the comeback. While Moore’s performance was encouraging, Ohio State will need more consistent contributions from their supporting players if they hope to stay competitive in the Big Ten.

Chris Holtmann will have his work cut out for him as he looks to get his team back on track. The Buckeyes’ defense, which had been a strength for much of the season, will need to improve, especially when facing potent offenses like Wisconsin’s.