Michigan
14-12,8-7Big Ten
Wisconsin
15-10,7-8Big Ten
Late Game Defense Not Enough as Michigan Falls at Wisconsin
2/15/2023 12:07:00 AM | Men's Basketball
MADISON, Wis. -- Despite not allowing a made field goal for nearly 11 minutes to close the game, the University of Michigan men's basketball program had its comeback effort fall short against Wisconsin, losing 64-59, Tuesday night (Feb. 14) at the Kohl Center.
Leaders and Best
Kobe Bufkin led the Wolverines with 21 points while shooting 60 percent (nine-for-15) from the field. Hunter Dickinson added his 26th career double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Turning Point
Wisconsin (15-10, 7-8 B1G) outscored Michigan (14-12, 8-7 B1G) 23-10 in the first 10 minutes of the second half to build a 54-42 lead. Although U-M's defense clamped down to close the game and the Wolverines pulled within one point with four minutes to play, the Badgers made nine of 10 free throws down the stretch to keep the advantage and hang on for the win.
Second Half
Bufkin scored a layup to open the half and gave the Wolverines a three-point lead, but Wisconsin answered with a 6-0 run over the next two minutes. Dug McDaniel ended the run with a midrange jumper, pulling U-M back within one.
With 15 minutes to play, Michigan surrounded a 9-2 run to Wisconsin after committing five turnovers in under three and a half minutes, falling behind 48-40 with 12:31 remaining. The deficit grew to 12 after another 6-0 run by the Badgers.
The Wolverines held Wisconsin without a field goal for over three minutes, and seven straight U-M points from Bufkin cut the margin to six. After Bufkin's scoring run, neither team made a shot from the field for over four minutes, but five free throws among Tarris Reed Jr., Dickinson, and McDaniel brought Michigan within two points with 3:25 to play before the final buzzer. Â
Each team continued to struggle from the field as Wisconsin grew its lead behind several free throws. A layup from Jett Howard ended Michigan's shooting drought, but a late turnover extinguished any comeback hopes. After more late free throws from Wisconsin, the Wolverines ultimately fell, 64-59.
First Half
The Wolverines fell behind 7-3 early but went on a 6-0 run to take their first lead of the game. The two teams traded baskets until the second media timeout, resulting in seven lead changes in the first eight minutes of play.
After Wisconsin's Connor Essegian gave the Badgers a two-point lead with a layup, Howard knocked down a three-pointer and gave Michigan a one-point lead. Essegian answered with a dunk on the other end, however, and U-M trailed 21-20 with eight minutes remaining in the half.
The Wolverines were held scoreless for the next four minutes, and a pair of three-pointers capped off an 8-0 run from Wisconsin. McDaniel ended the run with a pull-up jumper, but the Maize and Blue still trailed by five at the 3:32 mark.
Michigan made its last five field goals to close out the half, outscoring the Badgers 10-3 in the final three minutes. A triple from Bufkin just before the buzzer put Michigan ahead 32-31 at the break.
What's Next
The Wolverines will return home to Crisler Center to face Michigan State on Saturday (Feb. 18). Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m., and the game will be televised on FOX.
Notes
• Hunter Dickinson recorded his 26th career double-double, tying Campy Russell for 10th most among Wolverines.
• Dickinson now has a double-double in three of his last four games.
• With 21 points on the night, Kobe Bufkin was just one point shy of tying his career high (22).
• Bufkin has reached double figures in five straight games.
• After posting six points and seven rebounds, Tarris Reed Jr. is averaging six points and 5.7 rebounds over his last three games.
• Will Tschetter started his first career game, playing 26 minutes while posting four points and five rebounds. He replaced Terrance Williams II, who missed the game with a knee injury.
