Happ, Badgers end long Xavier streak

Ethan Happ followed his triple-double in Wisconsin’s opener with another dominant performance Tuesday night, getting 30 points and 13 rebounds as the Badgers pulled away to a 77-68 victory over Xavier in the Gavitt Tipoff Games.

Wisconsin (2-0) opened the second half with a 19-4 run led by Happ, who drove inside for four baskets that set the tone.

Xavier didn’t get closer than six the rest of the way, snapping its streak of 41 straight nonconference victories at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati.

Xavier (2-1) hadn’t lost a nonconference game on its home court since a 56-55 defeat against Wofford on Dec. 22, 2012.

It was the third time the teams have played in the last four seasons. The Badgers upset the Musketeers 66-63 in the 2016 NCAA tournament. Xavier won in Madison 80-70 last season.

Happ was coming off the second triple-double in Wisconsin history during an 85-63 win over Coppin State — 10 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists. On Tuesday, he scored 18 in the second half as the Badgers blew open a close game.

D’Mitrik Trice scored a career-high 22 points, making all five of his shots from beyond the arc.

Trice missed the final 23 games last season with a foot injury and has made a big impact in his return. His three early 3s Tuesday helped the Badgers get comfortable on the road.

Naji Marshall had a career-high 24 points and 13 rebounds for Xavier. Point guard Quentin Goodin played his second game since returning from a left shoulder injury during practice last month and scored 13 points, favoring the arm at times.

SEC tourney stays put:

The Southeastern Conference announced a four-year extension to keep its tournament in Nashville, Tenn., through 2030 with an option for a fifth year.

The deal will keep the event in Music City through 2035, with the only exception 2022 when the women’s tournament will be played in Nashville and the men’s tournament in Tampa, Fla.