Nov. 18, 2009

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MADISON, Wis. - Senior Johnathon Jones scored 15 points and Junior Keith Benson added 12 points and nine rebounds, but Wisconsin outscored Oakland University 22-9 in a stretch with Benson on the bench and outlasted the Golden Grizzlies, 58-42, on Wednesday night in men's basketball action at the Kohl Center. OU shot just 27 percent (15-55) from the floor and 3 of 19 from long range (.158).

"We were leading early and Keith Benson picked up an early second foul which sent him to the bench and that changed the complexion of the game," said OU coach Greg Kampe. "With Benson and Will (Hudson) on the bench we had to go small and they were beating us to the basket and getting easy points."

The Badgers had three players in double figures with senior Trevon Hughes leading the way with 15. Junior Keaton Nankivil tallied 13 points and nine rebounds, while junior Jon Leuer scored 12 for UW.

The Golden Grizzlies ran into early foul trouble in the first half with Benson and Hudson picking up two fouls each before the 11-minute mark. The Badgers took advantage down low scoring 10 straight points in the paint and extended their lead to 10, 22-12, with just under nine minutes left in the opening 20 minutes.

OU was forced to put Benson back into the game and after he ended a 10-0 run he picked up his third foul. With Benson back on the bench, UW extended its lead to 16 points (3:37). The Golden Grizzlies charged back late with a 9-0 run and trailed by 11 at the break, 34-23.

The Badgers began the second half on a 12-3 lead as Oakland found itself down by 20 points, 46-26, with less than 11 minutes left in the game. The Golden Grizzlies managed to outscore Wisconsin 16-12 from the point forward but could not overcome the 24-point deficit as Oakland fell to 2-10 in road openers since making the jump to Division I (1998-99).

Oakland will return home to face Rochester College on Saturday, Nov. 21. Game time is set for 6 p.m.