After nearly blowing a late lead in the second half, No. 12 Badgers held off Minnesota, 74-67, on Wednesday night at Williams Arena.

MINNEAPOLIS — The No. 12 Wisconsin Badgers faced a tense finish, nearly letting a significant lead slip away in the final minutes, but ultimately held off a late charge from Minnesota, securing a 74-67 victory on Wednesday night at Williams Arena.

The Badgers appeared in control for most of the game, maintaining a comfortable lead heading into the latter stages of the second half. However, Minnesota mounted a furious comeback, forcing Wisconsin to tighten up and hold on for the win. The Gophers, buoyed by an energetic crowd, clawed their way back into the game, cutting the deficit to just a few points with under two minutes remaining.

Despite the pressure, Wisconsin’s veteran players rose to the occasion. Senior guard Jordan Davis played a pivotal role, delivering key shots down the stretch and ensuring the Badgers did not falter under the mounting pressure. Davis finished with a team-high 18 points, including several crucial free throws that helped to stave off Minnesota’s comeback attempts.

“We knew they weren’t going to quit,” Davis said after the game. “We had to focus, keep our composure, and execute when it mattered most. Every possession counts at this time of the season.”

The Badgers’ defense, a hallmark of their season, was put to the test during Minnesota’s run. Wisconsin forced several key turnovers in the final minutes and made enough stops to keep the Gophers at bay. The Badgers, known for their disciplined defense, showed why they’re one of the top teams in the nation, even when faced with adversity.

“I’m proud of the way our guys fought through the last few minutes,” Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard said. “Minnesota made it tough on us, but we found a way to get it done. It’s always hard to win on the road, especially in an environment like this.”

Minnesota’s rally was sparked by an impressive performance from sophomore guard Jamison Ford, who scored 14 of his 20 points in the final 10 minutes of the game. Ford’s three-point shooting and ability to get to the basket helped fuel the Gophers’ surge, but it wasn’t enough to overtake Wisconsin.

While the Gophers were able to capitalize on a few Badger miscues, the turnovers came too late in the game to shift the momentum entirely. The Badgers made crucial free throws in the final seconds, ensuring their lead would hold until the final buzzer.

Wisconsin’s forward, Tyler Wahl, played a crucial supporting role, contributing 15 points and eight rebounds. His physicality inside and ability to get to the free-throw line helped the Badgers maintain their lead when the Gophers were trying to gain ground. Wahl’s presence in the paint was a difference-maker, particularly when the game grew tighter.

The victory improves Wisconsin’s record to 22-7 on the season, further cementing their position as one of the top teams in the Big Ten Conference. With just a few regular-season games remaining, every win is crucial as the Badgers look to secure a favorable position heading into the conference tournament.

Minnesota, despite the loss, showed resilience, particularly in the second half, where they outscored the Badgers 39-33. The Gophers, now 15-14 on the season, will have to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge.

“We showed a lot of fight tonight,” said Minnesota head coach Ben Johnson. “We’re disappointed with the result, but I’m proud of how we battled back. We’ll learn from this and be ready for the next one.”

The game ended on a high note for Wisconsin as they held on to secure their fifth straight victory in the series against Minnesota. The Badgers’ win marked another successful road trip in a season where they’ve proven their ability to perform under pressure.

As the Badgers look ahead, they’ll take confidence in their ability to finish strong, even when the game seems to be slipping away. With the regular season winding down, they’ll continue to rely on their defense, leadership, and ability to execute in clutch moments as they head into the postseason.

With their win in Minneapolis, Wisconsin remains firmly in the hunt for a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The Badgers will now turn their attention to their next game, with hopes of carrying their momentum forward as they look to finish the season strong.

For Minnesota, the loss serves as a reminder of how small mistakes can be costly in close games. Still, with a few adjustments, the Gophers will look to bounce back and finish their season with a strong performance.