MADISON, Wis. (AP) — In a tightly contested game, the No. 24 Wisconsin Badgers survived a late comeback attempt by the Ohio State Buckeyes to secure a 70-68 victory on Tuesday night, extending their winning streak to six games.

First-Half Domination

The Badgers (14-3, 4-2 Big Ten) started strong, holding Ohio State (10-7, 2-4) to just 20 points in the first half. Their stifling defense and effective offense built a commanding 37-20 lead by halftime. John Tonje led Wisconsin with 17 points, including a critical 3-pointer late in the second half.

The Badgers’ first-half performance was highlighted by strong contributions from guard John Blackwell, who added 15 points, and forward Steven Crowl, who chipped in 14. Wisconsin’s dominance on both ends of the court kept Ohio State off balance, limiting their offensive rhythm.

Ohio State’s Second-Half Comeback

The Buckeyes regrouped in the second half, fueled by Bruce Thornton’s game-high 21 points and a key 9-0 run. Devin Royal, who contributed 12 points, sank a crucial 3-pointer to pull Ohio State within four points at 48-44 with just over 10 minutes to play.

Ohio State continued to chip away at Wisconsin’s lead, cutting it to a single point at 65-64 after Micah Parrish’s layup with 16 seconds remaining. However, Wisconsin’s resilience from the free-throw line helped them stave off the Buckeyes’ surge.

Key Moments and Contributions

Tonje’s 3-pointer with just over four minutes left pushed Wisconsin ahead 65-57, providing a much-needed cushion. Despite shooting struggles early in the second half, the Badgers relied on their composure and ability to capitalize on free throws to seal the win.

A pivotal play came in the closing seconds when Wisconsin guard Kamari McGee secured an offensive rebound off a missed free throw by Blackwell. McGee’s subsequent two free throws with 11 seconds left denied Ohio State the opportunity for a go-ahead possession.

Free-Throw Excellence

Wisconsin’s exceptional free-throw shooting proved to be the difference. Entering the game as the nation’s top free-throw shooting team at 85.1%, the Badgers lived up to their reputation, converting 25 of 28 attempts from the line. Tonje’s perfect 10-for-10 performance at the stripe was particularly impactful in keeping Ohio State at bay.

Takeaways

Ohio State: The Buckeyes have endured close losses in recent games, with three of their last four defeats decided by a combined 11 points. Despite the loss, their second-half fightback showcased resilience and determination.

Wisconsin: The Badgers celebrated head coach Greg Gard’s 200th career victory in style. Guard Max Klesmit’s return to the starting lineup after missing the previous game with an ankle injury provided a boost, though his contributions were limited.

Up Next

Ohio State will look to regroup when they host Indiana on Friday in another crucial Big Ten matchup. Wisconsin heads to the West Coast for a two-game swing, facing USC on Saturday before meeting UCLA on Tuesday.

With the victory, Wisconsin remains a force in the Big Ten, while Ohio State continues to search for consistency as they navigate a challenging conference schedule.