MADISON, Wis. – Behind a career night from Steven Crowl, Wisconsin earned an 81-62 win over Bradley in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament on Tuesday night at the Kohl Center.
Crowl scored a career-high 36 points, while also grabbing nine rebounds. The junior forward shot 12-for-16 from the floor, making a career-best five 3-pointers.
Max Klesmit scored 16 points for the Badgers, 13 coming in the second half alone.
Connor Essegian added 14 points, shooting a perfect 9-for-9 at the free throw line.
UW went 23-for-28 at the free throw line as a team.
Headed into the second half, the Badgers held a 40-35 lead thanks to Crowl's outstanding first half performance of 19 points and six rebounds. UW shot 41.9 percent (13-31 FG) in the first half.
Wisconsin turned the ball over just three times on the night, while forcing the Braves into 11 turnovers.
With the win, the two seed Badgers advance to the second round of the NIT and will host Liberty on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Kohl Center. Tickets can be ordered online at UWBadgers.com or by phone at 1-800-GO-BADGERS. Tickets are $25 (100 level) and $20 (200/300 Level).
