The UW men's basketball team lost in the closing seconds to Penn State 58-57 Wednesday night. The Nittany Lions freshman guard Deforrest Riley converted a three-point play with nine seconds remaining to give Penn State the victory.
Wisconsin had a chance on the final possession, but senior guard Kirk Penney three-point attempt came up short as time expired. The Badgers fall to 18-6 on the season and 8-4 in Big Ten competition.
Down 47-43 midway through the second half, Wisconsin put on the clamps defensively, holding PSU scoreless for a 7:45 span in the second half.
After getting into foul trouble early in the first half, Tucker exploded for 12 points in the second frame to spark a 12-0 Badger rally. Two consecutive Tucker baskets knotted the game at 47 with 8:10 remaining.
Wisconsin regained the lead with 6:32 remaining for the first time since the 17:00 mark on a Penney free throw. The Badgers scored six more points, capped off after Tucker coverted a three-point play to make it 55-47.
However, the Nittany Lions responded with a rally of their own.
UW was held scoreless in the final two minutes as the Nittany Lions went on a 9-0 run to end the game.
PSU senior guard Brandon Watkins sunk a jumper followed by two straight three-pointers from junior guard Sharif Chambliss, making the score 57-55. Chambliss led all scoreres with 16 points. Riley drove the lane and was fouled to convert a game-winning three-point play and seal the Penn State victory 58-57.
The Badgers, who were led by sophomore guard Devin Harris' 15 points, were held to 37 percent shooting from the floor.
The Badgers look to rebound at Iowa Saturday for a 3 p.m. tip-off. Wisconsin won the first meeting between the two schools 74-61 on Jan. 22 at the Kohl Center.
The Badgers are now tied for second place with No. 24 Purdue University after the Boilermakers fell to Michigan at Purdue 78-67.
