MADISON, WI — The Wisconsin Badgers have shot up the Big Ten standings this month, and their ascension is far from a fluke. John Blackwell scored 18 points in the second half and knew that wallowing in the miserable 20 minutes of basketball wouldn't do anything. Blackwell said head coach Greg Gard challenged the team's leaders to step up in the second half, and that's what happened. In many of Wisconsin's early-season losses, the team's fight wasn't anywhere near the necessary level to succeed in the Big Ten. More Wisconsin Badgers News: