The Undefeated: Wisconsin Stuns Top-Ranked Michigan
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN -- In a stunning upset, the Wisconsin Badgers defeated the previously unbeaten, second-ranked Michigan Wolverines, 91-88, on Saturday. John Blackwell led the way with 26 points, Nick Boyd scored 22, and Aleksas Bieliauskas set a career high with 17 points. The Badgers' victory marked their highest-ranked regular-season win since 2019 and their second time beating a top-ranked team on the opponent's court since 2016.
Michigan, who led by as much as 14 points in the first half, suffered a crushing loss due to their second-half performance, giving up 54 points. The Wolverines' fate was sealed when a game-tying basket was waved off due to basket interference on Aday Mara, who followed up Roddy Gayle Jr.'s missed layup with 35.2 seconds left. After a video review, the call stood.
Braeden Carrington made two free throws on the ensuing possession, giving Michigan a three-point lead with 9.6 seconds left. However, Gayle missed a 3-pointer, and the Wolverines' hopes were dashed. Elliot Cadeau, who scored all 19 of his points in the first half, and Morez Johnson Jr., who scored 13 of 18 points in the first half, couldn't prevent the loss.
Wisconsin, on the other hand, trailed 38-37 at halftime but outscored Michigan 20-7 to start the second half. Bieliauskas, a freshman forward from Lithuania, showcased his talent by making 4 of 4 3-pointers in less than three minutes, solidifying his status as a key recruit for Greg Gard.
Looking ahead, Wisconsin will face Minnesota on Tuesday, while Michigan travels to the Pacific Northwest to take on Washington on Wednesday.
