Wisconsin’s John Blackwell made a 3-pointer early in the game on Saturday. It seemed like just another moment at first, but it actually signified a big change. The Badgers hit that shot to match their total from a previous game against Purdue, where they struggled to find their rhythm from long distance.
This time, things were different. Wisconsin found its shooting touch at Mackey Arena, overpowering 15th-ranked Purdue with a 97-93 win. They drained 18 of 34 shots from beyond the arc, a stark contrast to their earlier performance where they only made four out of 25 attempts.
Wisconsin’s remarkable shooting changed the game’s dynamics. At one point, they made eight 3-pointers in just 10 minutes, turning a deficit into a 44-40 lead. Purdue fought back but struggled to stop Wisconsin’s barrage of threes.
Fletcher Loyer was a standout for Purdue, scoring 23 points and setting a new program record for career 3-pointers. Despite this, the Boilermakers faced a tough loss, marking their fifth at home this season.
Wisconsin’s dominance from the perimeter highlighted a critical shift. Coach Greg Gard noted that adjusting their spacing on the court made a significant difference. Previously, players were too close together, but after some adjustments, they were able to create better shooting opportunities.
In Purdue’s first match against Wisconsin this season, they had a different story. The Badgers struggled so much that it had been almost 14,000 days since Purdue lost while scoring over 90 points. Those kinds of historic stats often reflect the pressure teams face. Purdue’s last defeat in such circumstances was way back in 1987.
Looking into the future, Purdue has to address their defensive issues, especially as they prepare for the Big Ten tournament. They need to improve their perimeter defense and stop those 3-point shots that have been costing them games. Purdue’s offense usually thrives, but as Braden Smith pointed out, it’s their defense that has to step up.
As they head into the postseason, there’s a sense of urgency to correct their course. Coach Matt Painter emphasized the importance of learning from their experiences. With the tournament around the corner, they will need to harness their potential and aim for improvement. This season has been unpredictable, shifting from a top-ranked team to a challenging position in the standings. But the focus now is clear: adapt and push forward.
