MADISON, Wis. - With Wisconsin big man Jon Leuer out with a fractured bone in his left wrist, Michigan knew it might have an advantage in Wednesday's game.

Leuer was the guy who presented the most prospective problems for U-M's DeShawn Sims.

Michigan's DeShawn Sims, right, shoots over Wisconsin's Mike Bruesewitz during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday.

AP photo

His absence allowed Sims to go wild and carry the Wolverines. Sims dominated, scoring 12 of his 21 points and grabbing eight of his 13 rebounds in the first half, a spurt that gave Michigan a good shot at knocking off Wisconsin in Madison for the first time since 1999.

“I felt good early in the game and throughout the game,” Sims said. “It was just that type of game for me today.”

Sims appeared to be playing so hard at times that he looked exhausted by the end.

Wisconsin recognized it, too. Badgers junior forward Keaton Nankivil said after the game “maybe we just wore him down,” although Wisconsin seemed to keep him from getting into the post often in the second half.

It didn’t stop Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan from verifying with Sims that this is his last year at Michigan during the post-game handshake. Sims affirmed that Michigan will lose its most productive post player after the season.

“He smiled and said ‘Yeah coach, this is it,’” Ryan said. “But we still have to play him there and in the tournament, who knows. But he was tough.”

Again, no bench

Save for Sunday against Connecticut, Michigan’s bench has struggled this season.

Wisconsin's Jordan Taylor, left, and Michigan's Matt Vogrich battle for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday.

AP photo

Against Wisconsin, it may have had its worst performance of the year. Combined, Darius Morris, Anthony Wright, Matt Vogrich and Zack Gibson combined to take no shots, grab four rebounds, have one assist and three turnovers.

Only Morris scored a point - off of a free throw.

All of it came in 31 minutes.

Harris Stuck Out of Drive

One of the better parts of junior guard Manny Harris’ game is his ability to drive into the lane and create opportunities either by drawing contact or finding an open man.

Wisconsin shut him down for the most part, holding Harris to 11 points.

“It seemed when I drove, they did a really good job containing me,” Harris said. “And they didn’t help off a lot of guys. There were a couple pull-ups that didn’t fall, a couple floaters and that’s what happened.”

Harris missed a lot of those shots down the stretch when Michigan coach John Beilein said they were trying to go to Harris or Sims as Wisconsin made its run.

“There were several times where Manny got really good looks, but Tim (Jarmusz) is a really good defender,” Beilein said. “He did a good job on him. I know Manny would love to have some of those shots back.”

This and that

For the first time all season, sophomore guard Zack Novak was held scoreless. He missed all six shots he took. … Other than Harris and Sims, the rest of Michigan’s players combined for 14 points. … Ryan is now 6-0 against Beilein. … Wisconsin tied its season low with five turnovers. Michigan had as many or more turnovers than assists for the third time in four games. On Wednesday, the Wolverines had 12 turnovers and nine assists.

Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2558, by e-mail at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com or follow along on Twitter @mikerothstein.