MADISON, Wis. – Max Klesmit scored 26 points fueled by a career high six 3-pointers, leading the Wisconsin men's basketball team to a 79-67 win over Montana State on Thursday night at the Kohl Center.

The Badgers have now started the season 2-0 in four of the last five seasons.

Klesmit was joined by John Blackwell (13 points), John Tonje (13 points) and Kamari McGee (11 points) scoring in double figures.

UW continued its impressive performance at the free throw line to start the season, finishing 20-for-21 from the charity stripe. The Badgers are now a combined 36-for-37 on the season from the free throw line.

With Montana State leading, 25-24, with 4:24 left in the first half, Tonje scored eight straight points for UW at the free throw line and Klesmit connected on a 3-pointer to push the Badgers ahead, 35-28, with 1:41 remaining.

Wisconsin took a 39-33 lead into the break after a first half that saw 10 lead changes.

The Badgers held off the Bobcats the rest of the way, as Montana State got within nine points three times but no closer.

Offensively, Wisconsin scored 79 points and all but four points were scored at the free throw line, on dunks/layups or from behind the 3-point arc.

UW held a 24-to-14 advantage for points in the paint.

Up next, Wisconsin hosts its third straight game at the Kohl Center with Appalachian State visiting on Sunday at 11 a.m. (CT).