John Blackwell: Wisconsin Star Drops Career-High 34 Points in Big Ten Tournament, Faces Illinois Today
John Blackwell is having the tournament of his life. The Wisconsin Badgers junior guard set a career high with 34 points and six three-pointers in Thursday's 85-82 third-round win over Washington — and now faces his biggest test yet when No. 5 Wisconsin battles No. 4 Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals at approximately 1:30 PM ET Friday at the United Center in Chicago.
John Blackwell Career High: 34 Points vs Washington
John Blackwell scored a career-high 34 points with six three-pointers to lead No. 23 Wisconsin to an 85-82 win over Washington in the third round of the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday.
Blackwell was the engine of a Wisconsin comeback that looked shaky at times — Washington rallied to pull within one point late before the Badgers held on. His six made triples were the difference in a game that went down to the wire on every possession.
John Blackwell Stats vs Washington: Full Box Score
Blackwell led Wisconsin with a game-high 34 points and sank six three-pointers. Nick Boyd added 23 points on an efficient 8-of-13 from the field, adding five assists. Boyd had 10 of Wisconsin's final 12 points, including the game-sealing free throw that put the Badgers through to the quarterfinals.
| Stat | John Blackwell |
|---|---|
| Points | 34 (Career High) |
| Three-Pointers | 6 made |
| Role | Leading scorer |
| Result | Wisconsin 85-82 W |
Who Is John Blackwell? Wisconsin's Breakout Star
Blackwell is a key contributor in Wisconsin's backcourt, known for his three-point shooting and his ability to create space for teammates. His 34-point career-high performance came at the most important moment of the Badgers' season, elevating him into the national conversation heading into the quarterfinals.
Wisconsin has been the No. 5 seed in each of the last two Big Ten Tournaments and has reached the championship game in both. The Badgers are hunting their fourth Big Ten Tournament title, having won it in 2004, 2008, and 2015.
Wisconsin vs Illinois Quarterfinal: What Blackwell Faces Next
Wisconsin will face No. 4 Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals Friday at approximately 1:30 PM ET on the Big Ten Network at the United Center in Chicago.
Wisconsin beat Illinois in overtime during the regular season — one of the defining results of the Badgers' campaign. Illinois enters the quarterfinals fresh after receiving a double bye as the No. 4 seed, meaning they have had a full week of rest while Wisconsin has played twice in three days. The freshness gap could be a factor in what is expected to be a brutally physical Big Ten defensive battle. If Blackwell brings even a fraction of Thursday's energy, Wisconsin has a real shot at a third straight Big Ten Tournament final.
