Second Half Comeback Falls Short As Washington Bows Out Of Big Ten Tournament

Thursday, March 12

Chicago, Ill.

Approx. 11:30 a.m. PT

University of Washington

16-17,7-13Big Ten

Wisconsin

23-9,14-6Big Ten

Washington

Wisconsin

Second Half Comeback Falls Short As Washington Bows Out Of Big Ten Tournament

March 12, 2026 | Men's Basketball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

CHICAGO – The Washington men's basketball team stormed back to cut an 18-point second half deficit to a single point but fell just short in its battle with Wisconsin, bowing out of the 2026 Big Ten Tournament in the Third Round Thursday at the United Center.

Hannes Steinbach racked up 25 points and 16 rebounds for his 22^nd double double of the season, pulling within one of Jon Brockman for the school's all-time single season record.

The Huskies did their best to trade punches with the Badger duo of Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, who combined to score 29 points in the opening 20 minutes to lead Wisconsin to a 43-33 lead at the break.

Zoom Diallo scored 20 of his 24 points in the second half, knocking down 8-of-12 shots in the period, kick starting the Husky comeback.

A Blackwell three with 13:23 to play gave the Badgers their largest lead at 18, but Washington countered with an 8-2 run to cut the deficit to seven with five to play.

A Diallo layup pulled the Dawgs within one with 17 seconds remaining, but the sophomore's three attempt to tie the game in the waning moments rattled off as Wisconsin advanced to Friday's quarterfinal round.

Remaining hot behind the arc, Quimari Peterson knocked down four three pointers en route to 14 points, six rebounds and four assists, while true freshman Courtland Muldrew gave UW eight points and five assists in 32 minutes off the bench.

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