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Taylor helps Wisconsin slip past Penn State

Feb 1, 2012 - 5:35 AM University Park, PA (Sports Network) - Jordan Taylor's 18 points led the way for No. 19 Wisconsin as it defeated Penn State, 52-46, at Bryce Jordan Center on Tuesday.

Ryan Evans added 11 points and six rebounds, and Jared Berggren chipped in eight points and 10 boards for the Badgers (18-5, 7-3 Big Ten), who have won six straight games.

Wisconsin will face a big test on Saturday as it will play host to No. 3 Ohio State.

Tim Frazier's 21 points paced the Penn State offense and Jermaine Marshall dropped in 13 points for the Nittany Lions (10-13, 2-8), who have lost three straight and six of their last seven.

With 2:00 to go and facing a two-point deficit, Penn State pulled down three straight offensive boards but it could not capitalize.

On the ensuing possession, Taylor stepped up and hit a three-pointer, giving Wisconsin a 43-38 lead with 1:44 to go in the contest.

"It was all in the last six minutes of the game. That's why he's big time," Penn State head coach Patrick Chambers said about Taylor's late surge. "He picks and chooses his spots, he plays in the space, he tries to get others involved and then when he (says) 'All right, it's my time,' he goes. He's got courage."

The Badgers were able to sink their free-throws late to hold on for the comeback victory.

Penn State held Wisconsin without a field goal for over nine minutes in the first half until Jordan Taylor's three made it 18-12 with 3:33 left.

Wisconsin shot just 7-of-26 from the field in the first half as it trailed Penn State 23-17 going into the break.

The Badgers came out hot in the second half, going on a 16-3 run to take a 33-26 lead with 11:22 to play in the game.

Bo Ryan praised his team's resilience saying, "Our guys, shooting it the way they did in that first half, to still come out in the second half with the energy and keep at it, it finally paid off."

Game Notes

Penn State dominated fast break points 11-0...Tonight's game marked the first home game for the Nittany Lions since the death of legendary head football coach Joe Paterno, who Chambers honored by donning rolled up khaki pants, white socks, and black sneakers...The two teams combined to shoot 7-of-29 from three-point range...Penn State will look to right the ship Saturday at Iowa.