Putting on another good road show

Badgers move back into a second-place tie

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Efficient. Workmanlike.

Poised.

Wisconsin, which had recorded impressive road victories early in the season, traveled to Crisler Arena and recorded arguably its most impressive on Thursday night.

The Badgers built an early doubledigit lead, led by 10 at the break and by 14 in the second half and then made critical plays down the stretch, including hitting 6 of 7 free throws in the final 43.7 seconds, to hold on for an 81-74 victory over No. 19 Michigan.

“When the boat rocks, so to speak,” head coach Greg Gard said, “we don't panic. We calm down during the timeouts or dig in...

“This group over the last 60 to 90 days, as I told them in there, 60 days ago this wouldn't have been possible. We weren't ready to come into this environment against a good team and to be able to finish out a game on the road.

“It shows the maturity and the leadership we have in the locker room with our older guys. I'm really proud of how they've grown and matured and stuck together.'

The Badgers (18-10, 11-6) moved back into a second-place tie, along with Illinois (19-9, 11-6), Michigan State (19-9, 11-6) and Penn State (21-7, 11-6).

Maryland (23-5, 13-4), which overcame a 17-point deficit to escape with a 74-73 victory Wednesday at Minnesota, leads the pack by two games with three to play.

UW, which extended its winning streak to five games, is home at the Kohl Center for the next two games. The Badgers face Minnesota (13-14, 710) on Sunday and Northwestern (6several

Wisconsin guard D'Mitrik Trice is fired up after hitting one of his 5 three-pointers Thursday night.