Braeden Carrington's last game at The Barn came almost two years ago on February 22, 2024, against Ohio State. While it was a Minnesota win, 88-79, it was fairly forgettable for Carrington, who scored only five points in 28 minutes. He then spent the next few home games recovering from a minor injury. After that season, he left for Tulsa, never knowing if he would play in Williams Arena, "The Barn", again.
Then he transferred to Wisconsin this last offseason, and The Barn was a sure stop, and a rival stop. He said, the night before the game, he couldn't sleep, "I probably have never been so anxious to play a game." Carrington was awake, tossing and turning, wondering how it would go. "It had me up all night, and you know, it obviously went the right way, and I'm happy for it."
Carrington had a remarkable return to The Barn and against his former team. He scored 21 points, five rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. He shot seven threes to help bury his former team.
Braeden Carrington was lights out against Minnesota and the boos were fueling him
Related: John Blackwell's quote on his game-winner over Minnesota is the stuff of legends
He has never had as big of a game against Minnesota or at the Barn in his entire career. He once had 20 points against a non-conference opponent, but it wasn't like this. And it didn't have the extra fanfare of "Boos."
Every time Carrington touched the ball, he was booed relentlessly by the Golden Gopher fans. Not because he transferred out, but because he went to Wisconsin. After the game, he said that he fully expected this reaction from the Minnesota fans, "They did that to Jamison Battle back when he came back from Ohio State. I expected it, especially coming to Wisconsin. 100%."
Carrington's 7 threes are the most by a Badger since Brad Davison made 8 against Nebraska in 2020.
— Andrew Bandstra (@andrewbandstra) January 14, 2026
Tied for the third most in a game in program history. #Badgers pic.twitter.com/BOWNBKk4yp
Yet, it seemed to fuel him. While he wouldn't say this directly in the post-game comments, watching the game, you could see he not only wanted to beat his team, but he was the one who wanted to torch them. He was on fire, and he kept throwing up shots that helped bury his former team.