Wisconsin Badgers Suffer Epic Collapse in Overtime Loss to Nebraska Cornhuskers

The No. 6 Wisconsin Badgers experienced a devastating collapse in an overtime loss against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, falling 80-72 after blowing a 19-point lead. This loss marks the second consecutive season that the Badgers have squandered a double-digit lead against Nebraska on the road. It’s a significant setback for a team that had been performing exceptionally well since November.

Wisconsin had multiple opportunities to seal the game but allowed Nebraska to fight back in the second half and couldn’t close it out in overtime. The Huskers carried their momentum into the extra period and secured the victory.

Here are three key takeaways from the Badgers’ disappointing loss:

Firstly, the Badgers, known for their efficient offense this season, reverted back to their old ways with numerous scoring droughts in the second half. They could only manage 24 points before overtime, despite taking a commanding 47-29 lead at the 17:04 mark of the second half. The team experienced several scoring droughts, enabling Nebraska to cut the lead to just 10 points, then later to 50-49.

Secondly, Nebraska found success by utilizing their bench players, particularly C.J. Wilcher, who scored 22 points, shooting an impressive 70% from the field, including 5/7 from three-point range. Forward Juwan Gary, playing for the first time in weeks, contributed nine points and four rebounds in 33 minutes. Head coach Fred Hoiberg’s decision to bench starting guards Jamar Lawrence and Keisei Tominaga in favor of Wilcher and Gary paid off, along with the positive impact of backup guard Sam Hoiberg.

Lastly, the Badgers struggled with turnovers, a surprising and uncharacteristic weakness for one of the nation’s most effective offenses. They committed 16 turnovers in the game, with 10 occurring in the second half during their collapse. A.J. Storr, Steven Crowl, Max Klesmit, and Chucky Hepburn each had two turnovers in the second half alone. The Badgers’ carelessness with the ball, combined with their poor shooting percentage of 31.4% in the second half, allowed Nebraska to mount a comeback. In contrast, Nebraska had just five turnovers in the second half and capitalized on Wisconsin’s mistakes with 13 points off turnovers.

Overall, the Wisconsin Badgers’ loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers exposes the team’s struggles with maintaining leads, relying heavily on starters, and their uncharacteristic turnover issues. They now face the risk of losing their top spot in the conference as they prepare to take on an upcoming opponent.