In a back-and-forth affair that more resembled a boxing match, Wisconsin outlasted Michigan to advance to the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament, 68-59. The first half saw terrible shooting by both teams, resulting in a 20-17 halftime score. Both teams picked it up in the last 20 minutes, but Wisconsin was able hit just enough shots to hold off a late Michigan charge.
Wisconsin vs. Michigan results: Badgers advance to semifinals of Big Ten tournament, 68-59
After a sluggish first half, the Badgers got key buckets and hit their free throws to pull away from the Wolverines.
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Wisconsin forward Ryan Evans stuffed the stat sheet to the tune of 12 points, six rebounds and six assists to lead a balanced Badger attack. Traevon Jackson was seven of eight from the free-throw line, including five in the final minutes to ice the game and lead the Badgers in scoring with 16 points.
Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. led the way for the Wolverines, scoring 19 and 14 respectively. But something curious happened to Michigan's defense in the final three minutes. Down just five under two minutes to play, Nik Stauskas intentionally fouled Mike Bruesewitz to send the Wisconsin forward to the line for two shots. It was the fourth foul in just over a minute for the Wolverines, and caused coach John Belein -- to put it nicely -- lose his temper. Bruesewitz nailed both free throws to put the Badgers up seven, and the Wolverines were unable to climb out of that hole.
This was Wisconsin’s second win against Michigan this season, having defeated the Wolverines in overtime on Feb. 9.
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