The Wisconsin Badgers mens’ basketball team defeated their Big Ten Conference rival Minnesota Gophers on New Years Eve, 71-59.

The Badgers rebounded well after a traumatic home loss to Maryland earlier this week. Wisconsin started the game hot with five straight points from Micah Potter and a Johnathan Davis slam dunk to go up seven points over the Gophers. Minnesota did not shy away from Wisconsin as they finished the first half of play within seven points of the Badgers. Wisconsin came out with some serious firepower in the second half to go on a 21-7 scoring run, putting them ahead of Minnesota 48-29. Potter continued to add to the lead while D’Mitrik Trice and Aleem Ford chipped in to finish Minnesota off. The Badgers shot 40% from the three-point line and finished the game off with a 50.8% from the field. Potter led all scorers with 18 points and helped improve his team to 9-2 overall. Wisconsin will travel to Penn State for another Big Ten Conference game on January 3rd at 11am to ring in the new year.