Wisconsin put themselves in a tough spot. Badgers trailed Maryland by 18 points at the half and only scored 15 points. This is their second time this month where they’ve scored fewer than 20 points in a first half. Wisconsin looked like this would be a blowout, but they battled back to make this a basketball game. Hot shooting was the key there, and all of the sudden, the game ended up being tied or Wisconsin with the lead. Sadly for the Badgers, Anthony Cowen hit a big shot late hep Maryland win this one 64-60. This is the fourth loss in five games for the Badgers.

Player of the Game: Nathan Reuvers – What a game for the young sophomore. He breaks out a little bit with 18 points in the second half including four threes and seven rebounds. Most of his damage came in the second half as he tried to lead Wisconsin back. If Reuvers can be a consistent double-digit scorer for this Wisconsin team, Badgers become much better. For the first time all year, Reuvers felt comfortable against high-level Big Ten opponents.

Silver Star: Anthony Cowan – Dude can play. Maryland might have shit their pants down the stretch, but Anthony Cowan is a stud. He finished off the game for Maryland with free throws at the end with the Terrapins guard making 12 of 13. from the line. Cowan had the big shot late in the game with Wisconsin up one, and he drilled a deep three to give the Terrapins the lead. They did not relinquish that the rest of the game.

Thing I liked: Kobe King gave some good minutes – Khalil Iverson saw his minutes disappear in this game. Iverson only played 13 minutes which is not common considering he’s been a start for a while now. Kobe King stepped into his place, and he did a pretty good job. Even though King did not have double-digit scoring, he still provided a lift for Wisconsin.

Thing I didn’t like: The slow start bites Wisconsin again – For the second time this month, Wisconsin dug themselves a huge hole that they could not get out of by the end of the game. Against Minnesota, they trailed by 15 points and came close to making it a game. In this one, they scored 15 and completed the comeback in the second half. A part of me wonders if this Wisconsin team is playing too tight, and that’s the reason for the first half struggles.

Next up: It doesn’t get any easier for Wisconsin. They will head home to greet undefeated Michigan on Saturday morning. Wolverines have been one of the best teams in college basketball thus far. Badgers will be definitely up against it, but if they could win, the resume booster would be terrific.