The Big Ten conference has been a rollercoaster of twists and turns this season, and Saturday’s games only added to the drama. Following Michigan State’s thrilling upset over Michigan on Friday night, which threw the conference title race wide open, all eyes turned to Wisconsin as they sought to capitalize on the opportunity and insert themselves into the thick of contention. However, Oregon had other plans. In a game that will be remembered for its stunning comeback and late-game heroics, the Ducks defied the odds, overcoming a 17-point deficit to outlast the Badgers in overtime. This matchup was more than just a game—it was a testament to resilience, clutch performances, and the unpredictable nature of college basketball.
The Ducks trailed by as many as 17 points in the first half and found themselves down 62-47 with just 7:30 left in the game. At that point, it seemed like the Badgers were in control and poised to secure a crucial victory. But Oregon’s head coach Dana Altman and his team refused to back down. They tightened their defensive screws, holding Wisconsin to just four points over the final 7:30 of regulation. The Ducks, meanwhile, chipped away at the deficit, slowly but surely closing the gap. With 56 seconds left, they cut the margin to 66-63, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. The Badgers, known for their discipline and composure, suddenly stumbled. They turned the ball over twice in the final 32 seconds, giving Oregon multiple chances to tie the game or take the lead. While Nate Bittle missed a hook shot on the first opportunity, the Ducks didn’t let their second chance go to waste.
Enter Jackson Shelstad, Oregon’s point guard, who delivered a moment of pure magic. Shelstad, who has drawn comparisons to former Oregon great Payton Pritchard for his clutch performances, stepped back and drilled a three-pointer to send the game into overtime. The shot was a defining moment for Shelstad, who has quickly become known for his ability to rise to the occasion. It was the kind of play that will be remembered for years to come—冷静, confident, and absolutely clutch. Wisconsin’s Max Klesmit had a chance to win the game in regulation with a jumper, but it fell short, and the Ducks carried their momentum into overtime. In the extra period, Oregon outfought the Badgers, emerging with a hard-fought victory that showcased their grit and determination.
This victory was more than just a win for Oregon—it was a statement. The Ducks’ ninth Quad 1 win of the season (only Auburn has more, with an impressive 14) puts them in an enviable position as the NCAA Tournament approaches. Oregon’s resume now includes more Quad 1 wins than several teams considered to be No. 1 seed contenders, including Alabama, Tennessee, Houston, Duke, and Florida. However, it’s worth noting that many of Oregon’s best performances came during the nonconference portion of their schedule. Their quality metrics, such as KenPom, Bart Torvik, and BPI, have faded somewhat in Big Ten play, which has raised questions about their consistency. But this win—their first in a true road game against a top-20 opponent—was a timely reminder of the upside this team possesses. It’s the kind of win that could vault the Ducks up a seed line or two in the NCAA Tournament bracket, potentially avoiding a No. 1 seed in the second round—a significant advantage.
For Wisconsin, this loss was a bitter pill to swallow. The Badgers had been on a tear lately, rising to the status of legitimate Final Four contenders. They entered Saturday’s game ranked as a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament selection committee’s sneak peek at the bracket, and their recent play had many believers. Led by a dangerous backcourt featuring John Tonje, John Blackwell, and Max Klesmit, Wisconsin had been firing on all cylinders offensively. They had also positioned themselves just one game back in the loss column of the Big Ten leaders, making this a critical moment in their season. But on Saturday, it was their offense that ultimately let them down. After scoring 62 points in the first 27 minutes of the game, the Badgers mustered just 10 points over the final 12:30, including overtime. This late collapse not only cost them the game but likely dashed their hopes of winning the Big Ten title and securing a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Looking ahead, both teams have much to consider. Oregon’s victory was a much-needed boost to their resume, showing that they can compete with—and beat—the best of the Big Ten. While they still have work to do in conference play, this win provides a glimpse of the ceiling this team can reach. As for Wisconsin, the loss was a setback, but it doesn’t define their season. They still have opportunities to make noise in the Big Ten, particularly with a matchup against Michigan State on the horizon. However, at 11-5 in conference play, the Badgers will need help from others to catch up to the Spartans (13-3) and Wolverines (12-3). For now, both teams will take away valuable lessons from this game—Oregon about the importance of finishing strong, and Wisconsin about the fragility of leads in college basketball. As the season enters its final stretch, both programs will look to build on this experience as they chase their respective goals.
