The Wisconsin Badgers rallied in the final minutes to defeat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 67‑63 on Jan. 28, 2026, erasing a double‑digit deficit and snapping a three‑game losing streak in the rivalry. The comeback propelled Wisconsin into a tie for fourth place in the Big Ten and kept their NCAA tournament hopes alive.
Game Overview
First Half Dominance
Minnesota entered as a slight favorite and built an early lead, reaching 38‑30 midway through the second half. Senior forward Mason Keller contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds, while junior guard Ethan Patel added 10 points and 4 assists, helping the Gophers maintain the eight‑point margin with just under six minutes left.
Badgers’ Late Surge
Wisconsin responded with a decisive run. Senior guard Liam O’Connor led the Badgers with a game‑high 18 points, including a clutch three‑pointer that cut the deficit to three with 2:15 remaining. Forward Jaden Brooks added 14 points and a career‑best 9 rebounds, providing the inside presence that turned the tide in the final minutes.
Key Performers
Badgers Leaders
- Liam O’Connor – 18 points, key late three‑pointer and go‑ahead layup.
- Jaden Brooks – 14 points, 9 rebounds, dominant inside play.
- Tyler Hayes – Offensive rebound and dunk with 1:42 left, sparking the final run.
Gophers Contributors
- Mason Keller – 12 points, 7 rebounds, steady scoring in the first half.
- Ethan Patel – 10 points, 4 assists, facilitated the early offensive flow.
- Team Effort – Combined 28 points from the duo, but late turnovers proved costly.
Statistical Highlights
- Final Score: Wisconsin 67, Minnesota 63.
- Field‑Goal Percentage: Wisconsin 42% (27‑of‑64), Minnesota 44% (28‑of‑64).
- Three‑Point Shooting: Wisconsin 33% (7‑of‑21), Minnesota 26% (6‑of‑23).
- Rebounds: Wisconsin 35, Minnesota 33.
- Turnover Differential: Badgers forced five more turnovers than they committed.
Impact on Big Ten Race
The victory moved Wisconsin to a 9‑5 overall record and a 5‑3 conference mark, tying them for fourth place and keeping them within striking distance of an at‑large NCAA tournament bid. Minnesota slipped to 8‑6 overall and 4‑4 in the league, dropping to a tie for sixth and increasing pressure on head coach Brian Collins to secure wins in the final regular‑season games.
Looking Ahead
Wisconsin’s next challenge is an away game against the Purdue Boilermakers, the current Big Ten leader. The Badgers aim to replicate their late‑game resilience, emphasizing forced turnovers and aggressive rebounding. Minnesota will travel to face the Illinois Fighting Illini, where they must tighten late‑game ball handling and improve perimeter defense to rebound from this loss.
