Happ leads Wisconsin past Northwestern

ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) — Ethan Happ scored 19 points and put his unique blend of skills on display to ruin Northwestern's Senior Night and lead Wisconsin to a 70-64 victory over the Wildcats on Thursday.

Khalil Iverson had 16 points and lightly used 7-footer. Andy Van Vliet added 14 for the Badgers (14-16, 7-10 Big Ten), who put together their first three-game winning streak of the conference season.

Scottie Lindsey (26 points) and Bryant McIntosh (18) led Northwestern (15-15, 6-11) in the final home game of their disappointing senior seasons. Lindsey and McIntosh were instrumental in Northwestern earning its first NCAA Tournament berth last season.

Happ, as usual, was the driving force for the Badgers. The versatile 6-foot-10 forward went 7 of 12 from the field -- all from inside the paint -- while adding seven rebounds, four steals, three blocked shots and three assists.

A 54.8-percent free-throw shooter, Happ hit 3 of 4 down the stretch to seal the victory after his key steal and dunk gave the Badgers a 62-58 lead with 2:56 to play.

Despite improved play of late, the Badgers will almost certainly need to win the Big Ten Tournament to extend their streak to 20 consecutive NCAA Tournaments. Another impressive streak, 17 straight top-four finishes in the Big Ten standings, has already been put to rest. The Badgers are in ninth place.