EUGENE, Ore. (Interstat) — A dominant second-half surge fueled by Nate Bittle and a stifling defensive effort propelled the Oregon Ducks to an 85-71 upset victory over the Wisconsin Badgers in a non-conference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Matthew Knight Arena.

The Ducks, entering the game with an 11-17 record, overcame a three-point halftime deficit by erupting for 55 points after intermission, shooting a blistering 64% from the field in the final 20 minutes. The Badgers, who fell to 19-9, saw their two-game winning streak snapped in a performance marred by poor shooting and uncharacteristic offensive struggles.

The game’s complexion changed entirely after halftime. Wisconsin, which led 33-30 at the break behind 12 first-half points from John Blackwell, initially extended its lead to five points early in the second period. The response from Oregon was swift and decisive. A 15-2 run, punctuated by a Kwame Evans Jr. steal and dunk, gave the Ducks a lead they would not relinquish. The run showcased Oregon’s transformed energy, turning defensive stops into easy transition opportunities and open shots.

The most important part of the game was Oregon’s comprehensive and sustained second-half performance, which overwhelmed a Wisconsin team ranked as a significant favorite. The Ducks’ efficiency was staggering. They scored 85 points on just 69 possessions, translating to an offensive rating of 123.4, while holding Wisconsin to a rating of 96.5. The Badgers, reliant on their methodical offense, were forced into a faster, disjointed pace and could not keep up. Wisconsin’s shooting woes were profound, as they finished 22 of 66 from the field, including 14 of 45 from three-point range. Their four total assists against 12 turnovers highlighted an offense that failed to generate quality looks against Oregon’s active defense, which recorded eight steals and eight blocks.

Bittle, a 7-foot sophomore from Central Point, Oregon, was the catalyst for the Ducks. He scored a game-high 20 points, dished out five assists, and anchored the defense with a block. His versatility was on full display, as he hit three-pointers, scored in the post, and facilitated for teammates. Evans, a 6-9 forward from Baltimore, provided 16 points, four blocks, and three steals, his length disrupting Wisconsin’s offense all night. Guard Takai Simpkins added 17 points, three assists, and a key block.

For Wisconsin, Blackwell, a guard from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, led all scorers with 22 points, but needed 18 shots to get there. Nick Boyd contributed 11 points and seven assists, but the Badgers’ offensive system, which typically thrives on ball movement and shot selection, broke down. They were out-assisted by Oregon 8-4 and managed only four second-chance points despite grabbing 12 offensive rebounds.

Oregon’s victory was a stark reversal from recent form for both teams. The Ducks, who had lost six of their last eight, played with a level of cohesion and defensive intensity that had been missing for much of the season. Wisconsin, coming off a convincing home win over Iowa, never found its rhythm in a hostile road environment before an announced crowd of 5,682.

The loss deals a blow to Wisconsin’s postseason resume as the calendar turns toward March. They will look to regroup quickly before a road test at Washington on Saturday. Oregon, meanwhile, will aim to build on this signature win as they travel to face Northwestern, also on Saturday.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Wisconsin had been projected with a 76.5% probability to win and was installed as a 5-point pregame favorite. The total score of 156 points went under the betting over/under line of 151.5.