Michigan St. Spartans vs Wisconsin Badgers Box Score on Jan 21, 2022

Malik Hall scored 14 points to pace a balanced attack as No. 14 Michigan State topped No. 8 Wisconsin 86-74 in a Big Ten Conference game Friday night in Madison, Wis.

The Spartans dominated the first half en route to a 42-26 lead at the break and then held off the Badgers, who have three victories when trailing by 10 or more in the second half this season.

Wisconsin was without forward Tyler Wahl, who suffered an ankle injury in Tuesday's win at Northwestern. Wahl is averaging 11.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game this season, and 15.3 points over his last seven games.

Michigan State (15-3, 6-1) bounced back from 64-62 loss at home to Northwestern last Saturday that snapped a nine-game winning streak. Wisconsin (15-3, 6-2) had won seven straight.

Johnny Davis, who entered fifth in the nation at 22.1 points per game, had 25 for Wisconsin, but made just 8 of 20 shots. Brad Davison added 22 points, including 6 of 10 from beyond the arc.

Tyson Walker, Max Christie and A.J. Hoggard each had 12 points for Michigan State, and Jaden Akins added 10.

Davis' layin capped a 7-0 run that pulled Wisconsin within 58-52 with just over 10 minutes remaining, but the Spartans answered with seven consecutive points.

Davison's 3-pointer cut the lead to 79-70 with 1:34 remaining. Michigan State then hit 7 of 8 free throws.

Without Wahl, the Badgers were outrebounded 39-20. The Spartans also had an overwhelming 43-7 advantage in points from the bench.

Wisconsin jumped out to an 8-0 lead on its first four possessions, but scored just 18 the rest of the half. Michigan State went on a 23-4 run, pushing its lead to 29-15 on a steal and layin by Hall.

The Spartans made 17 of 29 shots for 59 percent in the first half. Wisconsin was 5 of 16 from 3-point range, but just 4 of 17 inside. Davis was 3 of 13 in the first half, one of which was a dunk.

--Field Level Media