It was a great start to the season for guard John Blackwell and the Wisconsin Badgers, who toppled Campbell 96-64 on Monday night. Blackwell, a Player of the Year candidate, led all scorers with 31, and made his case as one of the top scorers in the country.
After a slow start and just a five-point lead late in the second half, Blackwell switched gears, and finished with 6-for-11 from deep, paving the way to an blowout Badger victory. His new partner, transfer Nick Boyd, ended the night with 21 points, and the duo didn't mince words when asked about their offensive performance after the game.
Badger backcourt silences any doubters with statement win
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"I think we both just think that nobody can guard us," said Blackwell. It's a hard point to argue right now, as the pair combined for 52 points, albeit against a weaker foe. Still, Boyd and Blackwell are already proving to be one of the more dangerous backcourts in the Big Ten. Boyd explained how they were able to create so many open looks with their aggressive playstyle.
"Because we can get downhill so dynamically, it just allows us to have open looks," he said. I think my pressure allowed him [Blackwell] to get some threes off. It takes a load of myself from having to do everything, so I'm glad I'm in the backcourt with him."
The Badgers needed to replace a lot of production from the departure of John Tonje, but it seems like that won't be an issue for this new tandem. Wisconsin averaged nearly 80 points per game last season, and there may have initially been some questions as to whether or not they could maintain that pace in 2025. After one game, it already looks like the question has been answered.