Vegas Bound! Wisconsin advances to NIT semifinals
The Badgers took down the Oregon Ducks, 61-58 in Tuesday’s NIT quarterfinals matchup in Eugene. As a result, Wisconsin will take on North Texas in the semifinals in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
Greg Gard and his squad survived another close contest Tuesday, winning their second game in a row by four or less points. In a season that has been filled with close losses, they have had a change of fortune in the postseason.
It was Max Klesmit’s turn to take command in the Badgers’ third round contest, leading the team with 18 points (5-11 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 6-7 FT). A different player has now led the team in scoring in all three postseason games.
The only other player to reach double-digits for Wisconsin was Chucky Hepburn (12 points), who nailed a clutch three-pointer from the right wing with less than 58 seconds left in the contest, giving the Badgers a 59-57 lead. Klesmit later added two free throws and Wisconsin pulled out the W.
Keeshawn Barthlemy (15 points) and Quincy Guerrier (14 points) tried their best for the home team, but their contributions weren’t enough to get the Ducks over the hump.
Moving forward, Wisconsin has a legit shot at running the table in Vegas, which would be so impactful for the team’s growth heading into next season.
