MADISON, Wis. — Nick Boyd scored 20 of his career-high 25 points in the first half as No. 24 Wisconsin beat Northern Illinois 97-72 on Friday night.

Boyd surpassed his previous best of 24 points, set last season with San Diego State. Boyd, who also played on Florida Atlantic’s 2023 Final Four team, shot 8 for 16 from the field, including 3 for 8 from long distance.

Returning starters John Blackwell added 15 points and Nolan Winter 12 for Wisconsin (2-0), which built an early 20-5 lead.

JJ Taylor had 17 points and Jao Ituka 13 for Northern Illinois (1-1).

Wisconsin had a 36-25 rebounding edge, including 15-4 on the offensive boards and built a 21-2 advantage in second-chance points. The Badgers shot 49.2%, including 9 of 31 from distance, but 3 of 17 in the second half.

Wisconsin led 5

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