The Trojans cut a one-time 19-point Wisconsin second-half lead to three, but the Badgers outplayed USC in virtually every facet to close out the game.

John Blackwell finished with 28 points and Max Klesmit added 18 for the Badgers, who defeated the Trojans, 86-69, Saturday at Galen Center.

Blackwell and veteran Max Klesmit denied USC from completing an improbable comeback with 25 combined second-half tallies, led by aggressive play inside the three-point line. When the dust settled, Wisconsin pocketed a 15-point victory to improve to 15-3 on the season.