John Blackwell Posts Career-High to Help Wisconsin Avoid Upset vs. Texas Rio Grande Valley

Badgers Hold on Late to Beat Vaqueros 78-75

Blackwell Scores 25, Ties Career Best with 10 Rebounds

MADISON, Wis. -- John Blackwell posted a career-high 25 points and tied his career best with 10 rebounds to help Wisconsin avoid an upset bid from Texas Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday night at the Kohl Center.

The Badgers (7-4) led by 15 points with 10 minutes remaining, but the Vaqueros (4-7) rallied to cut the deficit to two points with 1:11 left.

Wisconsin made its free throws down the stretch to hold on for the 78-75 victory.

Blackwell, a 6-foot-9 sophomore, was 10-of-15 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.

He also had four assists and two blocks.

Brad Davison added 16 points for the Badgers, while Tyler Wahl had 14 points and seven rebounds.

Justin Johnson led Texas Rio Grande Valley with 20 points, while Javon Levi had 15 points and nine rebounds.

The Vaqueros shot 46.7% from the field, but they were just 3-of-14 from 3-point range.

Wisconsin shot 45.5% from the field and was 8-of-22 from 3-point range.

The Badgers also outrebounded the Vaqueros 37-29.

Wisconsin will be back in action on Saturday when they host Marquette in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.