The No.20 University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team (18-8, 10-5 Big Ten) traveled to face the Ohio State Buckeyes (17-9, 9-6 Big Ten) Tuesday night in an attempt to extend a two-game win streak but were unable to do so, losing 86-69. The Badgers had just defeated both the No.10 Fighting Illini and No.15 Michigan State Spartans in back-to-back games.
Wisconsin struggled offensively, shooting 27% (7-26) from the 3-point line and making just 50% of their free throws (8-16).
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In contrast with Wisconsin, the Buckeyes had a successful night shooting. Led by Devin Royal and Bruce Thornton, who combined for 52 points, Ohio State shot 52% from the 3-point line and 68% at the free-throw line.
Senior Nick Boyd’s six-game streak of 20 or more points came to an end as both he and junior John Blackwell scored 14 points respectively. But, senior Braeden Carrington was a bright spot for the Badgers, scoring 20 points offensively and adding two blocks and two steals on defense.
The Badgers kept the score close through the first seven minutes of action, but with multiple turnovers and missed shots, the Buckeyes quickly grew a 22-10 lead with 13:31 left in the first half.
Despite struggling early, Wisconsin was able to cut Ohio State’s lead to six with just over four minutes before halftime, making the score 28-22. The Buckeyes responded with an 8-0 run and closed out the half 38-26.
Both teams traded baskets to open the second half but the Badgers continued to play from behind. With continued missed shots and extended pressure from Ohio State’s defense, the Buckeyes extended their lead to 47-31 with 16:06 left in the game.
Ohio State kept the momentum going, reaching an 18-point lead with 12:41 remaining after a made 3-pointer from Royal. With just over one minute remaining, a made shot from Thornton gave the Buckeyes their largest lead of the night, 83-63. As the clocks hit zero, the final score was 86-69 in favor of the home-team Buckeyes.
Wisconsin will look to get back into the win column at home against Iowa on Sunday.
