Badgers snap four-game losing streak, take down Ohio State 62–54

Wisconsin’s defensive prowess, offensive resurgence propel them to victory over Ohio State

Wisconsin snapped a four-game losing streak Tuesday, holding off a second-half Buckeye rally to earn their first victory since January 26.

The game brought Ohio State’s road losing streak to 16 games, dating back to January 1, 2023.

Wisconsin dominated the interior, outrebounding Ohio State 39-26 and scored 17 second-chance points to the Buckeyes’ 7.

AJ Storr and Steven Crowl led the Badgers on the glass, with 12 and 14 rebounds, respectively.

Wisconsin also dominated the charity stripe, attempting 16 free shots while allowing Ohio State only two

.Chucky Hepburn and Max Klesmit turned in another excellent defensive performance,

with Klesmit holding Jamison Battle – who entered the game averaging 14.2 points – scoreless until the final 30 seconds of game action,

and Hepburn yielding 18 points on 19 field goal attempts to Ohio State point guard Bruce Thornton.

Coming into the game, Hepburn knew that if he could slow down Thornton, the Badgers would be in a good spot.

“In the Big 10 most of the opponent’s teams start with the point guard,” Hepburn said post-game.

“My main goal is to take the point guard out of the game because that kinda disrupts the rhythm of the opponent.”

On top of his defensive efforts, Hepburn was nearly perfect on offense,

tallying nine points (3-5 FG), seven assists, five rebounds and no turnovers in 39 minutes of action.

Crowl led the Badgers in scoring (16 points) and recorded his sixth double-double of the season, while Storr had 14 points and 12 rebounds (six offensive).

Coach Greg Gard had nothing but love for Storr after the game.

“I thought AJ was really good for as hard as I’ve been on him,” Gard went on to say.

“I think he really responded in terms of shooting well, being aggressive around the rim, and making minimal defensive mistakes.

He was wired and dialed in tonight, which was great to see.

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