No. 11 Wisconsin Rallies To Beat No. 23 Maryland 71-60

Even though MI was playing at home, they made a decision to wear their navy blue road uniforms – and there was a message in that.

So there were no excuses coming from the No. 11 Badgers after their 64-58 loss to MI on Thursday night, only disappointment stemming from what Wisconsin felt was a missed opportunity. They were also competitive at UCLA before running out of gas and at SC despite their woeful offensive struggles. Nigel Hayes, who is one of the top scorers on the team this season, saw 33 minutes of action, but Michigan’s defense did a great job limiting him to just six points.

In all likelihood, the victor of this game will take control of the top seed in the Big Ten tournament (although they’ll technically split the regular season title if both finish 15-1).

A stunning slump for a player who was averaging 14.4 per game heading into the stretch. “The guys were giving me crap about it after the game, they were so shocked I did it”. It doesn’t matter who it’s against. With just four games to go before the conference tournament, Wisconsin can lock down a double-bye with wins against the Buckeyes and Spartans. “We’re with our backs against the wall and we still are”.

Wisconsin owns five wins in a row in the series with MI, most recently a 68-64 decision in Madison one month ago. The Wolverines have won nine straight against the Golden Gophers and the last six meetings in Minneapolis. A banked in, turn-around three pointer was probably the turning point for him, as he finally saw the ball go in. She’s averaging 10 points per game and shoots 38.4 percent from three, which edges out Mitchell’s 38.2 percent as the best mark on the team.

Wisconsin pulled to within six points at 60-54 with 1:30, but a backbreaking 3-pointer by Wagner with 1:01 remaining gave MI a 63-54 lead and all but put the game out of reach. I do think the Buckeyes’ offense is going to be too much for the Spartans, but Michigan State plays hard and the Spartans can be very opportunistic.

As Irvin heated up for the first time in three weeks – he had 13 combined points in the previous four games – including a shot-clock, banked three, the Wolverines took the lead, 43-42. He scored 21 points, including draining three baskets from long range.

“It’s not a bad time to be peaking”, Walton said. “The most important basketball is right now and the stakes are a lot higher”.

Thanks to Walton’s incredible play and more consistent contributions from others, the Wolverines went 2-2 during Irvin’s decline. With that win, MI now rises to 7-6 in the conference and 17-9 overall.

Next, the Badgers travel to Columbus on Thursday to take on the Buckeyes. Ethan HAPP said after the game ” We can’t win when I am the only player that can Score but I am playing my heart out and it’s showing.

Wisconsin’s lead in the Big Ten is gone.