Wisconsin Badgers Survive Test From UTRGV

Blackwell's timely performance lifts Badgers to victory

MADISON, Wis. -- Redshirt freshman guard John Blackwell helped the Wisconsin Badgers escape with an 83-76 victory over the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros at the Kohl Center on Wednesday night.

Blackwell, who played just 12 minutes off the bench, finished with five points, three steals, and a key block in the second half. He also drew a crucial charging foul on Vaqueros' guard Justin Johnson with 2:08 remaining in regulation.

The Badgers, who led by as many as 12 points in the second half, saw their lead dwindle to two points twice in the final 3:07 after UTRGV hit back to back threes. But Blackwell and senior forward Tyler Wahl came up with big plays down the stretch to seal the win.

Wahl finished with a team-high 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Junior guard Chucky Hepburn added 16 points and five rebounds, while senior forward Steven Crowl had 12 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

The Vaqueros were led by senior guard Quinton Johnson, who scored a game-high 23 points on 8-of-17 shooting. Junior forward Lesley Varner II added 14 points.

With the win, the Badgers improve to 8-4 on the season. They will return to action on Saturday when they host the Indiana Hoosiers at the Kohl Center.