Northwestern
16-7,7-5Big Ten
Wisconsin
13-9,5-7Big Ten
'Cats Down Badgers 54-52 in Madison to Sweep Season Series
2/5/2023 7:44:00 PM | Men's Basketball
MADISON, Wis. – Behind a gritty defensive performance, Northwestern defeated Wisconsin 54-52 on Sunday night at the Kohl Center to give the Wildcats their first sweep of the Badgers since 1995-96. Northwestern improved its record to 16-7 overall and 7-5 in Big Ten Conference action, its most wins in a season since 2016-17 (24-12).
JUMPED AROUND
— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) February 6, 2023
'Cats sweep Bucky. pic.twitter.com/a2OZ3K0sXm
The Wildcats had two players score in double figures, led by Boo Buie, who had 13 points and four assists. Chase Audige tacked on 11 points and seven rebounds and Brooks Barnhizer added eight points and seven rebounds. The 'Cats had a balanced offensive attack, as four players posted eight or more points.
Northwestern outrebounded Wisconsin 34-26, led by Barnhizer's seven boards. Northwestern moves to 11-0 when it outboards its opponent.
The Northwestern bench provided a spark, outscoring the Badger bench 18-4. Barnhizer chipped in eight points and Nick Martinelli tallied six points.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 7-6 advantage, Northwestern went on a 7-0 run with 15:45 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Audige, to stretch its lead to 14-6. NU protected its lead for the remainder of the half, taking a 26-23 lead into the locker room. Northwestern did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 14 of its 26 points close to the basket.
Wisconsin (13-9, 5-7 B1G) came out of the intermission firing to take a 32-30 lead before the Wildcats responded with a 7-0 run, finished off by Audige's three, to seize a 37-32 lead with 11:16 to go in the contest. Wisconsin took a 51-50 lead with 45 seconds remaining, but Boo Buie scored the game's next four points from the free throw line to seal the victory for the Wildcats.
Game Notes
» The Wildcats held the Badgers to only 38 percent shooting from the field.» The Wildcats were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording five blocks as a team.
» The win marked Northwestern's second consecutive over the Badgers for the first time since January 12, 2016 and February 12, 2017.
» Northwestern snapped a three-game losing skid at the Kohl Center, winning for the first time since Feb. 1, 2018.
» Chris Collins improved to 4-4 at the Kohl Center.
Northwestern continues its road swing when it travels to Ohio State at 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, Feb. 9, on FS1 and WGN Radio.
This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
