Thu Feb 20 05:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Wisconsin Badgers Roll Past Purdue, Set for Illinois Rematch

**MADISON, Wis. —** The No. 11 Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team is riding high after a dominant 94-84 road victory over No. 7 Purdue on Saturday. The win, fueled by a record-breaking offensive performance, sets the stage for a crucial home rematch against Illinois on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. CT on FS1.

John Tonje led the Badger onslaught with 32 points, his third 30-point game of the season. Max Klesmit contributed 17 points and 6 assists, while Nolan Winter (12 points, 5 rebounds), John Blackwell (11 points), and Jack Janicki (11 points) also reached double figures. The team shot a remarkable 61.5% from the field, including an astounding 90.9% (20-of-22) on two-point attempts – a feat unseen in Division I basketball since at least 2004-05. This offensive explosion also marked the most points Wisconsin has ever scored against Purdue on the road.

Freshman Jack Janicki stepped up in the absence of ejected teammate Kamari McGee, scoring a career-high 11 points, including three 3-pointers. Janicki’s performance was crucial in Wisconsin’s second-half surge, where they outscored Purdue and secured the victory.

The win over Purdue marks Wisconsin’s second top-10 victory this season, significantly boosting their NCAA tournament resume and their Big Ten title hopes. They currently sit fourth in the conference, just two games behind Michigan State.

However, the Badgers face a familiar foe in Illinois on Tuesday. Wisconsin lost their first meeting with Illinois in December, 86-80. While the Illini have struggled for consistency since then, their freshman guard, Kasparas Jakucionis (16.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists per game), remains a significant threat. Tickets for Tuesday’s game are nearly sold out, but fans can still try their luck at UWBadgers.com. The game can also be heard on the Badger Sports Network.

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