No. 15 Wisconsin pulls away from Ohio State

Field Level Media|published: Wed 10th January, 22:51 2024

Jan 10, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) looks for the shot as Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jamison Battle (10) defends during the first half at Value City Arena. credits: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Max Klesmit scored all 18 of his points in the second half to lead No. 15 Wisconsin to a 71-60 win over host Ohio State in Columbus on Wednesday to remain the only team unbeaten in Big Ten play.

The Badgers (12-3, 4-0 Big Ten) faced a 56-52 deficit when they scored 10 unanswered points for a 62-56 lead with 3:12 left. Klesmit had the final eight points of the run with a mid-range jumper and a pair of 3-pointers.

After a Roddy Gayle Jr. layup for the Buckeyes (12-4, 2-3 Big Ten), Klesmit canned a jumper to make it 64-58 and Ohio State never got closer than four points.

AJ Storr scored 17 points and Tyler Wahl added 11. The Badgers hit 10 of 11 free throws.

The Badgers had scored 80 points in three straight games for the first time since the 2014-15 season, but they didn't need to this time.

Jamison Battle led the Buckeyes with 18 points and Bruce Thornton added 13.

Ohio State made 4 of 10 free throws, including 2 of 7 in the second half.

The Badgers held a 35-33 halftime thanks to a 6-0 run over the final 1:32. They took the lead on Connor Essegian's only points of the half, a trey with 46 seconds left.

Otherwise, it was a duel between Storr and Battle through 20 minutes. Storr, who came in averaging a team-high 14.7 points, had 15 points before halftime.

Battle, who entered the game leading the Big Ten in 3-pointers made with 47 and percentage (45.2), scored 14 in the first half.

— Field Level Media

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