South Florida S. Florida/Wisconsin Wisconsin Men's College Basketball recap on ESPN

Waldon, who scored 25 points in the Bulls' victory over the Badgers last season, was on his way to another big game Saturday with 20 points midway through the second half.

But the Badgers (No. 14 ESPN/USA Today, No. 13 AP) then put the clamps on Waldon, holding him to one free throw the rest of the way as they rallied to tie the game in regulation and pull out a 63-61 victory in overtime.

Roy Boone scored 18 points and Kirk Penney hit two key 3-pointers to lead the Badgers (9-1), who extended their winning streak to nine games.

But the key performer down the stretch for the Badgers was Andy Kowske, who took over the defensive assignment on Waldon and held him without a field goal for the last 12 minutes of regulation and the overtime.

"I think Andy's experience really showed up today," Wisconsin interim coach Brad Soderberg said. "He did a great job of keeping his hands off Waldon and at the same time denying him the ball in the post.

"Waldon is just a tremendous player ... what a talented kid. I'm just glad Andy stepped up and did what he did. He got some deflections, he got a couple denials of passes down in the post and that made a huge difference down the stretch."

Kowske got some experience guarding Waldon last season, when the South Florida star went 11-for-12 from the field as the Bulls beat the Badgers 66-63.

"I knew they were going to try to go to Waldon almost every time down," Kowske said. "I just told myself to be tough, stay down and play the defense I know I'm capable of playing. Fortunately, things worked out."

Waldon's last field goal came at the 12:18 mark and was part of a 13-3 run that gave the Bulls a 47-43 lead.

"We try to get the ball to B.B. on every possession," Bulls coach Seth Greenberg said. "They packed it in around him and that left some things open on the perimeter for other guys, but he's still our No. 1 option every time down the court."

South Florida took its biggest lead of the game, 56-49, on a rebound basket by Cedric Smith with 4:10 remaining.

But the Bulls were held scoreless the rest of regulation. Penney provided the big play, hitting a 3-pointer on an inbounds play with 26 seconds left.

Penney entered the game in a 2-for-18 shooting slump over the past three games. He also hit another 3-pointer in overtime.

"Hopefully this will help his confidence," Soderberg said.

The Bulls had a chance to win in the final seconds, but Chonsey Asbury missed a driving layup.

South Florida led twice in overtime, but Boone tied the game at 61-61 on a driving layup with 1:50 remaining. Mark Vershaw then put Wisconsin ahead by making the second of two free throws with 38.5 seconds left.

Waldon missed a long 3-point attempt with five seconds remaining and Kowske grabbed the rebound, was fouled and made one of two free throws.

The Bulls had one last chance, but Kowske foiled that by stealing a long inbounds pass intended for Waldon.

"They're a very good basketball team," said Greenberg, who saw his team's six-game winning streak snapped. "They're hard to play against. I thought we came out and rebounded better in the second half and had control of the game. But then we just couldn't score."

Waldon finished with 21 points, while Altron Jackson added 16 and Smith 10. Gerrick Morris blocked eight shots for the Bulls.

"I think South Florida is a Top 25 team," Soderberg said. "They have all the talent in the world, they are extremely well-coached and their system matches their personnel very well. They're going to win a ton of games this year."

ALSO SEE
Men's College Basketball Scoreboard

South Florida Clubhouse

Wisconsin Clubhouse

AUDIO/VIDEO
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Wisconsin's Kirk Penney hits a huge three-pointer to force the game into OT against South Florida.
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Wisconsin's Kyle Grusczynski grabs the offensive rebound and finishes with the baby hook.
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Wisconsin's Maurice Linton hits a high baseline jump shot against South Florida.
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