Freshman guard Alvin Ellis III goes up for a shot during the game against Wisconsin on Feb. 9, 2014, at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. The Spartans lost to the Badgers, 60-58. Danyelle Morrow/The State News
It’s another classic game between No. 9 MSU and Wisconsin, as Sam Dekker and Josh Gasser’s 16 combined points have helped the Badgers take a 30-22 halftime lead.
Wisconsin’s Josh Gasser was the man down the stretch as he nailed a 3-pointer and hit two free throws to cap off an 11-0 run at the end of half. MSU also shot themselves in foot by missing its last 11 shots.
The first five minutes were taxing for MSU, as Matt Costello and Gavin Schilling each committed two fouls in the early minutes of the game. That forced Tom Izzo to trot out Alex Gauna, who played with the walk-ons during Thursday’s blowout win against Penn State. He ended the half with no points.
Also invisible in the box score is sophomore guard Gary Harris, who has zero points on 0-for-8 shooting. That zero isn’t the only alarming one, as MSU also hasn’t shot a single free throw all game.
Senior forward Adreian Payne wasted no time showing the Kohl Center who was in charge, taking MSU’s first three shots. He ended the half with nine points.
As Payne plays his second game after missing seven due to his foot injury, Appling missed his second game wit an ailing wrist. In his place as a starter, Travis Trice has five points but zero assists.
Just like any other game between the Badgers and Spartans, tough defense was on display. Both teams combined for seven turnovers in the first five minutes of play. The Spartans lead the turnover battle at the end of half, 8-6.
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