Photo Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

MADISON-WI–The Wildcats went into Wisconsin with a two-game losing streak and without their leading scorer Scottie Lindsey. They left with a 66-59 victory, against the no. 7 Badgers. 

The Wildcats (19-6, 8-4 Big Ten) dug themselves into an early hole, but caught fire during a 16-0 run in the first half, picking up a nine-point lead. After missing their first five three-point attempts, they made their next four, including two in a row from senior Nate Taphorn. 

The second half opened well for the Badgers (21-4, 10-2 Big Ten), as they ripped off a 10-0 run in the first four minutes. The ‘Cats were 0-8 from the field during that stretch, while the Badgers were 4-5. But the Wildcats responded with an 8-0 run, and didn’t give up the lead for the rest of the 2nd half.

Bryant McIntosh was the engine leading the ‘Cats offense all game. He played all 40 minutes, and put up 25 points on 10-23 shooting. He also added seven rebounds and seven assists to fill out the stat sheet. 

Ethan Happ looked like a matchup problem early, with seven points in the first six minutes, but did not score in the rest of the first half, and had just nine points in the whole game. Happ came into the game averaging 14.5 points per game to lead the Badgers. 

Dererk Pardon held his own against the Wisconsin star, and had a great night of his own. He had 11 points and eight rebounds, four of which came on the offensive glass.

Bronson Koenig, the Badgers’ second-leading scorer, couldn’t get his shot going all game. He was 1-8 from the field, and 0-5 from deep, a surprising change from his 39 percent mark from deep on the season. 

The Wildcats return home to host Maryland on Wednesday. Tune in to wnursports.com for our broadcast.