Max Klesmit suits up for Wisconsin, helps Badgers to victory over Ohio State

Wisconsin guard Max Klesmit returned to action in the Badgers' Big Ten game against Ohio State on Tuesday after missing one game due to a right ankle injury. The 6-foot-4 senior helped No. 24 Wisconsin (14-3, 4-2 Big Ten) fend off a second-half rally from Ohio State (10-7, 2-4), winning 70-68.

Klesmit recorded four points, two rebounds and one assist in 30 minutes. He made a crucial 3-pointer in the second half, extending Wisconsin's lead to 56-48 with 7:31 left. He also provided excellent defense to help stop Ohio State's attempts to steal the game.

Through 16 games, Klesmit has averaged 10.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game for the Badgers. He had a season-high of 26 points to lead Wisconsin past Montana State in an early nonconference regular season game on Nov. 7.

Through 16 games, Max Klesmit has averaged 10.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He scored a season-high 26 points in a win over Montana State on Nov. 7.

On Monday, Wisconsin coach Greg Gard hinted at Klesmit's possible return after he participated in a full practice and showed no signs of limping.

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Wisconsin heads to West Coast with starting lineup back in full strength

Max Klesmit's return to Wisconsin's starting lineup helped stabilize the Badgers in their win over Ohio State. Now, they head to a challenging West Coast trip beginning Saturday against USC.

Despite scoring below his average, defensive intensity was contagious, helping Wisconsin recover in time to hold off Ohio State's last-minute attack to preserve the win. It also marked Greg Gard's 200th win as Wisconsin coach.

John Tonje led the Badgers' offense with 17 points and John Blackwell and Steven Crowl added 15 and 14 points, respectively. Bruce Thornton led the Buckeyes with 21 points.

Wisconsin struggled from long range, making 22.7% of its shots against Ohio State. Despite this, the Badgers aggressively attacked, converting 25 of 28 free-throw attempts.

The Badgers aim to extend their winning streak to seven when they face USC on Saturday at Galen Center in Los Angeles. The Trojans (11-6, 3-3) are coming off victories against No. 13 Illinois and Iowa.

Wisconsin will also visit UCLA (11-6, 2-4) on Tuesday at Pauley Pavilion. The Bruins have lost five of their last six games and have faced controversy due to coach Mick Cronin's recent statements.