It was a valiant, if unsuccessful, effort from a Wisconsin team that trailed 33-20 at halftime and was at one point down by 15 points. The Badgers flipped a switch late in the second half, going on an 11-0 run over the final three minutes to take the lead before Kevin McCullar Jr. drained a three-pointer to tie the game and force overtime.
The two teams were even in the field goal column, each making 24 of 62. Kansas went 9 for 29 from three-point range while the Badgers went 6 for 19. Wisconsin was more efficient from the free-throw line, going 14 for 19 compared to Kansas’ 12 for 21.
In the end, it was a story of rebounds. Kansas outrebounded the Badgers 50 to 35 with 14 offensive rebounds, including the one that handed the Jayhawks the win. Those second chances were enough to give the Jayhawks the edge they needed.
On Thanksgiving Day, Tyler Wahl feasted on his chances. The senior recorded 23 points and 10 rebounds as well as 3 steals. Max Klesmit also recorded double figures in the points column along with Connor Essegian. The freshman put up 17 points as he continues to emerge as a threat off the bench for the Badgers.
Jalen Wilson led the way for the Jayhawks, scoring 29 points and hauling in 14 rebounds. McCullar Jr. added 18 points and 9 rebounds. The game-winner Pettiford took just one shot during his 19 minutes on the court, and it made all the difference.
The heartbreaker puts an end to Wisconsin’s undefeated start, moving their record to 4-1. They’ll be back in action for the third-place game in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament on Friday.
The Badgers return to the Kohl Center on Tuesday to take on Wake Forest in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
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