The team also had just three assists and wasn't getting its preferred balance of shots in the paint and from three-point range. But after the Badgers gathered themselves, everything was alright.

Wisconsin basketball improved to 13-3 on the season and 3-2 in Big Ten play with a decisive 80-59 win over Minnesota on Friday. The win continues the team’s strong momentum to start the calendar year.

Ben Johnson and Greg Gard were in the same spot in the Big Ten men’s basketball standings after their Gophers and Wisconsin teams played their first two league games in early December. Both teams started at the bottom of the Big Ten with 0-2 league records.

MADISON, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 10: Dawson Garcia #3 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers goes up for a shot against Xavier Amos #13 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half of the game at Kohl Center on January 10, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

Wisconsin basketball earned an impressive 80-59 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday night at the Kohl Center. After falling behind 15-5 early in the first half, Wisconsin punched back with an extended 15-2 run to establish an edge and discover its rhythm.

Minnesota and Wisconsin meet! Our College Basketball odds series has our Minnesota-Wisconsin prediction, odds, and pick.