Sports

Defensive Burst Gives Badgers 73-63 OT Win Over Gophers

February 19, 2018 / 10:46 PM CST / CBS Minnesota

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Brevin Pritzl scored 20 points, including two 3s in overtime, and Ethan Happ led a defensive resurgence in the extra period to help Wisconsin beat Minnesota 73-63 in overtime on Monday night.

Happ finished with 10 points after going scoreless in the first half, hitting a layup with 5.2 seconds left in regulation for a 59-all tie.

The momentum carried over into overtime for the Badgers (13-16, 6-10 Big Ten), who handed the Golden Gophers (14-15, 3-13) their ninth straight loss.

Pritzl opened overtime with a 3 from the wing. Wisconsin then capitalized on Minnesota miscues later at the other end as Happ had a steal and drew an offensive foul on back-to-back possessions.

The Badgers scored after each mistake to extend to an eight-point lead with 2:12 left.

Jordan Murphy had 16 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out to lead Minnesota. The Gophers lost a seven-point lead with 7:33 left in regulation and went without a field goal for nearly a six-minute stretch from the second half into overtime.

Michael Hurt had career highs of 15 points and eight rebounds for Minnesota, while Nate Mason scored 11 on 5-of-18 shooting.

Three-point shooting gave the Badgers a 35-34 lead at halftime despite a scoreless first half from Happ, who didn't pick up his first bucket until 17:32 of the second half.

Brad Davison was 4 of 6 from the 3-point arc in the first half, while Pritzl hit a desperation 3 from the left corner just before the buzzer to put Wisconsin ahead at the break.

Davison finished with 19 points.

BIG PICTURE

Minnesota: Picking up his NCAA-leading 22nd double-double of the season, Murphy has been a bright spot in what has otherwise turned into a dismal season for the Gophers. The junior has also shown some range with his shot after hitting an open 3 from the wing in the second half for a 58-51 lead with 5:58 left. It ended up being Minnesota's last field goal until early in overtime.

Murphy is 3 of 3 from the arc over his last two games after not attempting a 3 during the previous five.

Wisconsin: It's hard to hold Happ scoreless, but Minnesota did just that in the first half after throwing double teams at the 6-foot-10 forward from different angles and at different times during the possession. Happ, who was averaging 18.3 points, had scored at least 21 points in three straight games coming into the night.

UP NEXT

Minnesota: Hosts Iowa on Wednesday to wrap up the home schedule.

Wisconsin: Visits Northwestern on Thursday in final regular-season road game.