Wisconsin Advances in Big Ten Tournament, Eyes Championship Run
The University of Wisconsin Badgers secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament with an 85-82 victory over Washington on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago. The win marks Wisconsin’s third consecutive appearance in the tournament’s quarterfinal round and keeps their hopes alive for a fourth Big Ten Tournament championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA March Madness tournament.
Badgers Overcome Husky Comeback
Wisconsin (24-9) initially built a significant lead, fueled by strong three-point shooting, connecting on 15 of 39 attempts (38.5%). However, Washington mounted a late rally, closing the gap with a 21-6 run. Despite the Huskies’ efforts, Wisconsin held on for the win. John Blackwell led the Badgers with 34 points and 10 rebounds, while Nick Boyd added 23 points and nine assists.
Washington’s Tournament Debut
Washington (16-16) was making its first appearance in the Big Ten Tournament after joining the conference. They previously defeated USC 83-79 in overtime to advance to the third round. Zoom Diallo contributed 22 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds for the Huskies, and Hannes Steinbach recorded his 21st double-double of the season.
Next Up: Quarterfinal Matchup Against Illinois
The winner of the Wisconsin-Washington game will face fourth-seeded Illinois in the quarterfinals on Friday afternoon. The game is scheduled to take place approximately 25 minutes after the conclusion of the Ohio State-Michigan quarterfinal.
How to Watch and Listen
- Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
- Start Time: Approximately 1:30 p.m. Central Time
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network (Jeff Levering, Don MacLean, Rick Pizzo)
- Streaming: Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, YouTube TV, or the FOX Sports app
- Radio: Badger Radio Network (WIBA-AM 1310 in Madison, 95.7 BIG FM in Milwaukee, and other affiliates). Sirius XM Channel 45 or 84, or online on The Varsity Network.
Betting Odds
As of March 12, 2026, according to BetMGM:
- Spread: Wisconsin by 7.5 points
- Over/Under: 155.5
- Moneyline: Wisconsin (-300), Washington (+240)
Series History
- All-time, regular season: Washington leads 3-2
- All-time, postseason: 0-0
- All-time, in Big Ten Tournament: 0-0
- Current Streak: Wisconsin has won 2
- Last Meeting: February 28, 2026 (Seattle) – Wisconsin won 90-73
Wisconsin’s 2025-2026 Big Ten Schedule
- Dec. 2: vs. Northwestern, W 85-73
- Dec. 9: at Nebraska, L 60-90
- Jan. 3: vs. No.5 Purdue, L 73-89
- Jan. 6: vs. UCLA, W 80-72
- Jan. 10: at No. 2 Michigan, W 91-88
- Jan. 13: at Minnesota, W 78-75
- Jan. 17: Rutgers, W 96-87
- Jan. 22: at Penn State, W 98-71
- Jan. 25: USC, L 71-73
- Jan. 28: Minnesota, W 67-63
- Jan. 31: Ohio State, W 92-82
- Feb. 7: at Indiana, L 77-78 OT
- Feb. 10: at No.8 Illinois, W 92-90 OT
- Feb. 13: No.10 Michigan State, W 92-71
- Feb. 17: at Ohio State, L 69-86
- Feb. 22: Iowa, W 84-71
- Feb. 25: at Oregon, L 71-85
- Feb. 28: at Washington, W 90-73
- March 4: Maryland, W 78-45
- March 7: at No. 15 Purdue, W 97-93