No. 11 Wisconsin defeats Indiana behind Klesmit’s second-half burst

In Madison, Wisconsin, Max Klesmit took control of the game by scoring 20 consecutive points for the 11th-ranked Badgers during a second-half stretch lasting just over 4 1/2 minutes. The Badgers continued their impressive home record against Indiana, securing a 91-79 victory on Friday night.

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Wisconsin, with a record of 14-4 (6-1 Big Ten), has now won 20 consecutive home games against Indiana, maintaining an undefeated streak in Madison since 1998, which was the inaugural season of the Kohl Center. This road skid for Indiana against Wisconsin is the longest against any opponent; the last time Purdue had a similar streak was winning 19 consecutive home games over Indiana from 1901-22.

Max Klesmit had a standout performance, scoring 23 of his 26 points in the second half, including a successful 5 of 7 on 3-point attempts. Over his last five games, he has been shooting 15 of 22 from beyond the arc, with an impressive 12 of 16 in his last three games.

Indiana (12-7, 4-4) faced challenges as they were without 7-footer Kel’el Ware, their top rebounder and second-leading scorer, due to a lower-leg injury. The Hoosiers’ depth was further impacted when reserve guard CJ Gunn was ejected for elbowing Klesmit in the side of the face with 12:42 remaining in the game.

Wisconsin strengthened its position at the top of the Big Ten standings, now leading by a full game over No. 2 Purdue, which is scheduled to play against Iowa on Saturday.

AJ Crowl contributed 15 points, while Steven Crowl had an impressive stat line with 12 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists for the Badgers. Chucky Hepburn also chipped in with 12 points. On the other side, Malik Reneau scored 28 points, Mackenzie Mgbako contributed 17, and Trey Galloway added 10 for Indiana.

Max Klesmit played a crucial role, making consecutive 3-pointers that expanded Wisconsin’s lead to 49-33 with 16:52 left in the game. Indiana responded with a quick 9-0 run in just 46 seconds, narrowing the deficit to 49-42.

Klesmit halted Indiana’s scoring streak with a 3-pointer, and then, while in front of Wisconsin’s bench, he made another 3-pointer while being fouled. Completing the four-point play, Klesmit extended the lead to 56-42.

Indiana’s Xavier Johnson managed a layup, but Klesmit quickly countered with a three-point play. Following that, Klesmit showcased his defensive skills with a steal and layup.

In a subsequent possession, after Indiana turned the ball over again, Klesmit, during a break in the action, lowered his head toward the upper part of Gunn’s chest. In response, Gunn committed a flagrant-2 foul, elbowing Klesmit in the left side of the face, leading to Gunn’s ejection from the game.

Klesmit then converted both free throws, concluding his stretch of scoring 20 consecutive points and giving the Badgers a commanding 63-44 lead with 12:50 remaining.

Wisconsin maintained a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game.

BIG PICTURE

Indiana: Despite shooting at an impressive 53.8%, the Hoosiers struggled defensively, allowing Wisconsin to shoot at a higher rate of 59.6%. This game marked the second of three consecutive matchups against top-15 opponents for Indiana, following a 87-66 loss to Purdue on Wednesday.

Wisconsin: Bouncing back after a recent loss to Penn State that ended a six-game win streak, the Badgers regained their momentum. The team is now awaiting updates on reserve guard Kamari McGee, who had to be assisted to the locker room after a fall under the basket in the second half.

UP NEXT

Indiana: Faces No. 14 Illinois on January 27.

Wisconsin: Travels to Minnesota for a game on Tuesday.