Wisconsin's Nick Boyd just broke the Wisconsin Big Ten Tournament single-game record against Illinois that lasted an entire day. John Blackwell broke it yesterday with 34, and now Nick Boyd passed it with 38. The two exchanged a hilarious moment after the game on camera with the Big Ten Network when Boyd laughed and said, "I took your record! I took your record!" Blackwell shouted into the camera, "Records are meant to be broken." All the Badgers erupted with laughter and praise.
Boyd was then asked about playing Michigan on Saturday after beating Washington and now Illinois. He isn't worried and said that at this point, they have nothing to prove. "They are the big dogs, and we are just playing with house money."
Nick Boyd says that Wisconsin is now playing with house money and the pressure is on Michigan
Related: Greg Gard's post Illinois win quote will have you believing in the Badgers
He said it in a way that only Boyd can, not in a fearful or scared of Michigan sort of way (why would he be, these Badgers already beat them). But more in a way in which, "They should be scared of us." Why? Michigan isn't supposed to lose this game; Wisconsin is.
Wisconsin has already won two Big Ten Tournament games and doesn't need to win anymore; they could bow out and take the extra rest. Michigan wants revenge. Nick Boyd is right, the Badgers are playing with house money, and it's a good feeling.
If they win, they walk into the title game having already shocked the nation with their win over Michigan and, once again, are playing with house money. However, if they lose, it's an extra day of rest, a chance to get injured Nolan Winter back, and on to the NCAA Tournament. Wisconsin won't walk away in shame or with their heads hung. Michigan losing again to Wisconsin will have the national media losing it and having a field day.
It's a great place to be for the Badgers.
Wisconsin vs. Michigan Saturday at noon CT on CBS.