Badgers extend their win streak to seven as Armenian Heritage Celebration energizes the Galen Center.
It started like many midday games do—crowds slowly filtering in, sunlight still streaking through the concourse, and a slightly subdued energy compared to the frenzy of a night game. But by the time the final buzzer sounded, Wisconsin had turned the Galen Center into their stage, outplaying USC 84-69 in a game that showcased precision, grit, and occasional flashes of chaos.
First Half: Blackwell Sets the Tone
Wisconsin arrived with purpose, and John Blackwell wasted no time making it his game. The sophomore guard was clinical, pouring in 14 of his 28 points before halftime and creating opportunities with a mix of smooth drives and timely jumpers. Max Klesmit and Kamari McGee followed suit, combining for 28 points, as the Badgers carved through USC’s backcourt.
The Trojans simply had no answer. “The blow-by’s by the Wisconsin guards… it was like it was earlier in the year,” USC coach Eric Musselman admitted postgame. “I’m not going to sit up here and call guys out, but it was quite evident that Saint [Thomas] and Rashaun [Agee] played with great energy, so I can credit those two guys.”
Indeed, Saint Thomas shined defensively, holding Wisconsin’s leading scorer John Tonje to zero points—a task Thomas took personally. “I just got to come at him and guard him,” said Thomas of the Omaha, Nebraska native he grew up admiring. “I asked coach if I could have that matchup… I wanted to show him I’m not ‘little bro.’”
While Thomas and Agee fought valiantly, the cracks in USC’s defense showed. Wisconsin’s balance and execution created an insurmountable 42-27 halftime lead, with turnovers and defensive lapses continuing to haunt the Trojans.
Second Half: A Glimpse of Hope
Early in the second half, USC came alive. Thomas hit back-to-back threes, Agee attacked the rim with abandon, and a 19-point deficit shrank to just three at 55-52. “It’s human nature,” Agee said. “They’re going to start missing shots at some point, and we just have to go on a run.” For a brief moment, the Galen Center buzzed with the possibility of a comeback.
Despite being USC’s leading scorer, Desmond Claude struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with just nine points on 3-of-7 shooting and committing five turnovers. Wisconsin’s defense neutralized his ability to create, forcing USC to rely on bursts of energy from Thomas and Agee to stay competitive.
But Wisconsin responded with poise. Blackwell orchestrated an 8-2 run that reasserted control, draining a reverse layup that punctuated the Badgers’ ability to answer every USC push. “Blackwell took the game over,” Musselman said. “His scoring spurts were the difference.”
What’s Next
Wisconsin (15-3, 5-2 Big Ten) will head across town for another tough test against UCLA, armed with confidence and a blueprint for success: efficient offense, disciplined defense, and unwavering composure.
USC (11-7, 3-4 Big Ten), meanwhile, faces more questions than answers. Agee and Thomas showed flashes of leadership and grit, but turnovers (16 total) and defensive inconsistencies remain glaring issues. The Trojans now prepare for a road game against Nebraska, where they’ll need to find a way to translate effort into results.
The Bigger Picture: Beyond the Court
While the game itself deservedly took center stage, there’s a broader spectacle unfolding at every college basketball matchup—a carefully coordinated production that often goes unnoticed. Thousands of fans cheered from the stands, their roars rising and falling with the ebb and flow of the action. Surrounding them were the countless unsung contributors: vendors managing endless lines, security keeping the event safe, and media staff like Kim and Steve—a husband-and-wife team who ensured every stat sheet was on hand at the perfect moment.
Among the sea of faces in the media section was Jim Kelley, a scout for the Dallas Mavericks whose old-school basketball wisdom left a lasting impression. Watching the game with an unhurried calm, Kelley spoke about always “looking for the diamond in the rough,” the players whose effort or skill hints at untapped potential. His presence was a reminder of the layers of purpose hidden within even a seemingly straightforward matchup. For Kelley, it wasn’t just a game—it was an opportunity to spot something extraordinary, no matter how subtle.
It’s easy to focus on the 25 players and a handful of coaches battling on the court, but the experience is so much more. Every element, from the halftime band to the photographers capturing key moments, revolves around this core group, amplifying their efforts into something larger than life. The game is the heart of it all, but the energy and atmosphere surrounding it are what keep fans coming back.
Armenian Heritage Celebration: A Layer of Vibrancy
Amidst the basketball, the Galen Center also hosted a celebration of Armenian pride. Walk-on guard Avand Dorian didn’t take the court, but his presence was unmistakable. Chants of “We want Avand!” punctuated the game, and Armenian flags fluttered proudly in the stands.
Up-and-coming pop star Arman Asatryan performed the national anthem, and while his nerves may have temporarily derailed the perfect rendition, he finished strong with a long, drawn-out “Land of the Free” that garnered a standing ovation. The crowd, a mix of basketball fans and proud Armenians, appreciated his resilience and determination—a fitting reflection of the night’s celebration of heritage.
It was a reminder that sports, at their best, are about community as much as competition.
Final Thoughts
Wisconsin walked away with a convincing win, their precision and depth shining throughout. But the day itself was richer than the scoreline. Between Saint Thomas’ personal battle with John Tonje, Rashaun Agee’s fiery leadership, and the hum of activity both on and off the court, the afternoon offered a vivid tapestry of basketball, culture, and connection.
Ben, Chief Editor and Business Consultant at WCSM, is also the Chief Creative Officer at two multi-million-dollar businesses, where he has driven growth and innovation. A summa cum laude graduate with degrees in Statistics and Business Computer Information Systems, Ben has helped small businesses double their revenue, launched YouTube channels with over 50K followers, and created websites for high-profile clients in TV and film. His expertise spans content creation, video production, advertising, analytics, web design, and data analysis. Ben is eager to bring his skills to WCSM, turning their vision into impactful realities while fostering sustainable growth.
