(EAST LANSING) - Michigan State had the Big Ten title banner hanging in the rafters and the confetti charges ready to go, but the Wisconsin Badgers continued their dominance of this series.
The Badgers won their fourth straight over the Spartans with a gritty hard fought 68-64 decision over MSU.
Michigan State's Paul Davis was playing a magnificent game, having scored 25 points and recording 10 rebounds but left the game with 2:31 remaining with a case of the cramps, first in the left leg, but then in the right.
Despite four trainers and team doctors working on him, Davis was unable to re-enter the game. Junior guard Chris Hill ended up being the goat of the game despite a 15 point effort. Hill was unable to free himself from the Wisconsin defense all game, but found himself at the free throw line with the game tied and :22 remaining.
Inexplicably, Hill bricked both free throws and Wisconsin found themself with the ball and a chance to win the game in regulation. The Badgers attempt to win in overtime missed and MSU forward Matt Trannon cleared the rebound to send the game into overtime.
MSU was unable to score in the extra session without Davis and an ineffective Hill. Wisconsin built a two point lead and when guard Devin Harris shook off the MSU defense and kicked it to Clayton Hanson for a three pointer and Wisconsin had a five point lead.
Hill buried two NBA range three-pointers to cut the lead to two each time, but Wisconsin answered every challenge.
Hill's last three point attempt fell short and Wisconsin gained a hard fought win.
MSU now 17-10, awaits a possible NCAA tournament bid but may need to win the Big Ten tournament to cement a position in the tourney.
The banners will remain in the rafters until they can be taken down tomorrow.