Northwestern hangs with No. 15 Wisconsin but fails to pull off the upset, losing 71 63

MADISON, Wis. — Max Klesmit scored a career high 24 points and A.J. Storr added 14 to help No. 15 Wisconsin hold off Northwestern 71 63 on Saturday. Wisconsin (13 3, 5 0) has won six straight and is the only undefeated team in the Big Ten. The Badgers are 5 0 in conference play for the first time since the 2007 08 season.

Advertisement Klesmit shot 5 of 7 from 3 point range and 9 of 13 overall. Boo Buie scored 22 points, including 15 in the first half, for the Wildcats (12 4, 3 2), while Brooks Barnhizer finished with 13 points. Northwestern never led in the second half but tied the game twice in the final 4:12. Advertisement Wisconsin led 67 63 with 1:19 left.

The Wildcats were forced to foul in the final minute, and Chucky Hepburn and Storr combined for four free throws to seal the victory. In the first half, Klesmit’s jumper at the 4:06 mark capped a 10 0 run that gave the Badgers a 29 19 lead with 4:06 remaining. Wisconsin led 32 25 at intermission. Barnhizer scored two field goals early in the second half to keep Northwestern close.

Up next Northwestern: Plays host to Maryland on Wednesday. Wisconsin: At Penn State on Tuesday..