EAST LANSING, Mich. - In a battle between two of the top-three teams in the Big Ten Conference, the No. 11 Wisconsin men's basketball team fell at No. 8 Michigan State, 71-62, on Sunday afternoon at the Breslin Center. 

The game was tight throughout, with Wisconsin facing just a two-point deficit with just over three minutes remaining. Michigan State drew free throws late in the game to separate itself and ultimately take the victory. 

John Blackwell led Wisconsin for the second-straight game with 16 points and six rebounds. John Tonje had 11 points and six boards while Nolan Winter had a double-double with12 points and a career-high 17 rebounds - the most by any Badger in the last twenty seasons. 

There were 11 total lead changes in the game, with both teams leading for more than 15 minutes of game time. Wisconsin finished the first half up 34-32. 

The Badgers faced an uncharacteristic shooting night from the 3-point line, converting just five triples in the game. UW countered its shooting woes in the game with a strong performance in the paint - drawing free throws and scoring 32 points in the paint.

The Badgers conjured offense as a result of their defensive play as well. Wisconsin held the Spartans to just 39% shooting from the floor, and scored eleven points off MSU turnovers.

Wisconsin hustled for loose balls while keeping control in their own possessions, finishing with just nine turnovers in the game.
 

Up Next: 

Wisconsin heads to the Land of 10,000 Lakes to take on Minnesota on Wednesday night. Tip at Williams Arena is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will air live on BTN.