The Badgers lost a close game to Northwestern on Sunday, falling short 54-52 in the contest. The loss was Wisconsin’s seventh in their last nine games and they were swept by the Wildcats in the two-game season series for the first time since 1996.
Wisconsin continued to struggle to produce on the offensive end, shooting 38 percent from the floor (19-50 FG), though they were able to compile nine three-pointers. Most of their production from deep came from freshman guard Connor Essegian, who registered 15 points (5-14 FG, 5-11 3Pt, 0-1 FT). In addition to Essegian’s offensive output, Chucky Hepburn scored a game-high 17 points (6-15 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT).
Outside of the two guards that combined for 32 points, the rest of the Badgers’ starting lineup struggled greatly Sunday. Tyler Wahl (5 points), Max Klesmit (6 points) and Steven Crowl (5 points) all made only two shots each in the loss.
On the opposite side, Boo Buie and Chase Audige combined to play 79 minutes, unsurprisingly leading the Wildcats in scoring. Buie pitched in 13 points (4-10 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT) including four clutch free throws in the final 31 seconds. Audige played all 40 minutes in the victory and scored 11 points (5-13 FG, 1-3 3Pt) while also recording seven rebounds, three assists and a block.
Overall, the game came down to the final few possessions and Wisconsin had consecutive offensive opportunities thwarted with Hepburn attacking the rim. The sophomore point guard got blocked at the rim and then left a mid-range fadeaway short on back-to-back offensive sets. Northwestern was able to control the final moments with Buie nailing home four straight attempts from the charity stripe.
The game came to an end on an intentionally missed free throw by Max Klesmit, which didn’t come without some sort of controversy. Two Wildcat players came down with the rebound at the same time, but the refs failed to make a travel call, which all of the Kohl Center was hoping for.
With the defeat, Wisconsin saw their season record sink even further to 13-9 and 5-7 within the Big Ten. The Badgers will look to right the ship when they return to action Wednesday on the road at Penn State (7:30 PM).
Northwestern continued their surprisingly successful campaign, improving to 16-7 on the year and 7-5 in conferences games. They’ll take on Ohio State (11-12) in Columbus on Thursday.
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