The Gophers and Badgers put on a show at Williams Arena Saturday afternoon, but like usual, it was the Badgers leaving the arena with a win, 77876 in overtime.
Minnesota led by two at the half and forced overtime on a 3-pointer by Akeem Springs late in the second half. Overtime was a back-and-forth affair, with Wisconsin’s Bronson Koenig hitting a three to put Wisconsin up 77-76 with less than a minute to play.
After one free throw by Ethan Happ, the Gophers got one final shot off – a contested straightaway 3-pointer by Springs – and it banged off the iron as time expired.
The loss is Minnesota’s third straight, dropping their record to 15-5 (3-4 in the Big Ten).
Happ led Wisconsin with 28 points and Nigel Hayes added 21. Amir Coffey scored 19 to lead the Gophers while Springs finished with 16 and Dupree McBrayer added 14.
Up next, the Gophers hit the road to play Ohio State on Wednesday.
