Thanks to a pair of clutch free throws by Michigan’s Dug McDaniel down the stretch, the Wolverines were able to hold on at home to take down Wisconsin, 72-68 to snap a five-game losing streak.
In a game that featured no double-digit lead, Michigan was able to stay out in front for the majority of the game. The Wolverines led 37-33 at the half, but the Badgers surged to start the second half to regain the lead, 43-42.
Michigan took the lead back with 12 minutes to play, and Wisconsin was unable to close the gap. The Wolverines were propelled from the free throw line, going 14-18 from the stripe in the second half.
Mr. Smooth 🎷
— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball)
For a team averaging close to 13 assists a game, Wisconsin tallied just seven tonight, as the Wolverines were able to stifle the Badgers' offense throughout.
Wisconsin had four players with double-digit points, including a game-high 20 points from guard AJ Storr, but the Badgers produced only six points from their bench. On the other side, Michigan got a bump off the bench from forward Will Tschetter who finished the game with 11 points.
McDaniel led the Wolverines in scoring, putting up 11 in the first half, and finishing with 16 including three crucial made free throws in the final 20 seconds.
Michigan (8-15, 3-9 Big Ten) entered this game losing 10 of their last 11, but Juwan Howard rallied his squad tonight in a true team-oriented win. The Wolverines are now tied with Ohio State at the bottom of the Big Ten.
Wisconsin (16-7, 8-4 Big Ten) has now lost three straight conference games after winning nine of their previous 11 matchups. Tonight’s loss dropped the Badgers to third in the Big Ten standings, below Purdue and Illinois.
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