Vitto Brown
The Nebraska Cornhuskers used a 2-3 zone defense against the Wisconsin, trying to keep the Badgers from dominating the lane. But after a slow start, the Badgers got their outside game going again, hitting 11 of 18 from three-point distance for the game and pulling out a 72-61 win over the Cornhuskers.
Five players hit at least one three-pointer for the Badgers, who finished 61.1% from three-point range for the game.
The Badgers (15-9, 5-7) didn’t have their “A” game, but they did find ways to win, which is what coach Greg Gard says good teams do.
Wisconsin pulled to within a half-game of fourth place Purdue and Michigan, who are tied for fourth.
Nigel Hayes scored 20 points and Vitto Brown hit three-of-three from three-point range, 11-of-17 overall and finished with a career high 18 points.
Bronson Koenig hit three-of-four from distance and finished with 12 points, while Zak Showalter added 10 points and five rebounds.
The Badgers hit the road in Big Ten play this weekend, facing the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday.
AUDIO: Greg Gard on winning despite not playing their best :13
AUDIO: Nigel Hayes on why they are getting so many good looks :23