Wisconsin Badgers vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Picks and Predictions January 10th 2025

Wisconsin Seeks to Extend Dominance Over Minnesota in Big Ten Clash

The Wisconsin Badgers aim to keep their recent hot streak alive while extending their dominance over the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten showdown Friday night in Madison, Wis.

Wisconsin Riding High

Wisconsin (12-3, 2-2 Big Ten) enters the game on a four-game winning streak, highlighted by a 75-63 road victory over Rutgers on Monday. The Badgers have been nearly unstoppable offensively, averaging 83.3 points per game—their highest mark since the 1970-71 season.

The Badgers are also excelling at the free-throw line, leading the nation with an 85.5 percent success rate.

Wisconsin graduate transfer John Tonje continues to pace the team, averaging 18.4 points per game. John Blackwell has been a revelation in the last two games, scoring a total of 53 points, raising his season average to 15.8 points per contest. Nolan Winter contributes 11.2 points and leads the team in rebounding at 6.1 per game.

Forward Steven Crowl has found his form during the winning streak, averaging 16.3 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting an impressive 74.3 percent from the field.

However, the Badgers may have to navigate this game without guard Max Klesmit, who left Monday’s game against Rutgers with an ankle injury. Klesmit, averaging 10.5 points and a team-leading 3.0 assists, is listed as day-to-day.

“He’s day-to-day right now,” Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said. “It continues to respond as we go through the next few days.”

Minnesota Looks for Breakthrough

Minnesota (8-7, 0-4) remains winless in Big Ten play and is coming off a heartbreaking 89-88 double-overtime loss to Ohio State on Monday. The Gophers’ inability to convert at the free-throw line, where they shot just 12-for-27, proved costly.

The Gophers are averaging a conference-low 68.8 points per game and have struggled with outside shooting (31.1 percent from three) and free throws (61.8 percent). Despite their offensive struggles, Minnesota boasts a solid defense, allowing just 66.7 points per game—fifth-best in the Big Ten.

Dawson Garcia leads the Gophers in both scoring (18.2 points per game) and rebounding (7.1). Guard Mike Mitchell adds 12.8 points, while Lu’Cye Patterson contributes 10.7 points per contest.

Parker Fox stepped up with a season-high 21 points against Ohio State, and Patterson added 20, but Garcia had an uncharacteristically quiet game, scoring just five points on 2-for-9 shooting.

“They guard well,” Gard said of the Gophers. “They’re getting healthier now. Dawson Garcia is a really good player, and Mike Mitchell is a really good player.”

Key Matchup: Wisconsin’s Offense vs. Minnesota’s Defense

Wisconsin’s high-scoring offense, spearheaded by Tonje and Crowl, will test Minnesota’s defensive unit, which has kept the Gophers competitive despite their offensive woes. The Badgers’ ability to get to the free-throw line and convert at an elite rate could further exploit Minnesota’s inefficiencies.

Conversely, the Gophers will need a standout performance from Garcia and improved efficiency at the free-throw line to keep the game close.

Historical Edge

Wisconsin has dominated this rivalry, winning seven straight and 16 of the last 18 meetings. However, the last five games have been tightly contested, decided by a total of 16 points.

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What’s at Stake

For Wisconsin, a win would extend their momentum and solidify their position in the Big Ten standings. For Minnesota, this game presents an opportunity to secure their first conference win and end their losing streak against the Badgers.

With Wisconsin’s offensive firepower and Minnesota’s defensive tenacity, fans can expect a hard-fought contest in Madison as these long-time rivals clash once again.