MADISON, Wis. — In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, Oregon overcame a late-game deficit to claim a 77-73 victory over No. 11 Wisconsin, with Nate Bittle contributing significantly to the win with 23 points. Jackson Shelstad played a pivotal role by hitting a crucial three-pointer in the final moments of regulation, which sent the game into overtime.
Bittle, a towering presence on the court at 7 feet, excelled in the extra period, scoring six of Oregon’s points during overtime, effectively ending Wisconsin’s impressive five-game winning streak. Shelstad supported the team with 13 points, propelling the Ducks (20-8, 9-8 Big Ten) to their fourth consecutive victory.
Early in the game, Bittle faced challenges as he was limited to minimal playing time in the first half due to foul trouble. For Wisconsin (21-6, 11-5), John Tonje was the standout performer, racking up 22 points, while Steve Crowl added another 12 to the scoreboard. Despite their loss, Wisconsin has performed solidly at home, having only dropped two games on their court this season.
The defining moment of the game occurred when Shelstad hit a sensational game-tying three-pointer from well beyond the arc with just 12 seconds left in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime. Wisconsin had an opportunity to win the game in regulation; however, Max Klesmit’s jumper failed to find the net, creating a 66-point tie as time expired.
A significant takeaway from this match was the depth of the Oregon team, which contributed 21 points off the bench. Key contributions came from reserves Jadrian Tracey and Kwame Evans Jr., with 11 and 10 points, respectively. In contrast, Tonje showcased his talent for Wisconsin, scoring 16 points in the first half on 6-of-10 shooting while also making vital plays in the final minutes to give his team an advantage. He has been a consistent performer for the Badgers, averaging 19.6 points and 4.8 rebounds this season.
A critical turning point of the game was a mistake by the Badgers during a high-pressure moment. With only 17 seconds to go, an errant inbound pass by Wisconsin intended for John Blackwell struck his knee and rolled out of bounds, gifting Oregon a vital scoring opportunity.
One notable statistic was Wisconsin’s struggle with ball control; they finished the game with a season-high 17 turnovers, with Crowl responsible for six of those. Meanwhile, Oregon maintained better composure, committing only eight turnovers throughout the contest.
Looking ahead, Wisconsin is set to host Washington on Tuesday evening, while Oregon’s next contest will be against Southern California on Saturday.
