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.

Fresh off what seemed to be a turning point in the USC men’s basketball season, during which they had finally found a rhythm in back-to-back big wins, the Trojans couldn’t extend their run against a nationally ranked opponent.

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

John Blackwell scored a game-high 28 points to lead No. 24 Wisconsin to an 84-69 win over USC in Los Angeles on Saturday in a Big Ten contest. Max Klesmit

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.