The University of Wisconsin women’s basketball team (12-7, 4-4 Big Ten) looked to continue their momentum following a double overtime win over Oregon as they faced the No. 24 University of Nebraska (14-4, 3-4) at the Kohl Center Wednesday night.
Following a sloppy early start from both teams, senior Gift Uchenna carried the Badgers on offense, scoring 10 of the Badgers’ first 12 points to open the half. Junior substitute Laci Steele ended the quarter for the Badgers scoring 5 points, putting Wisconsin up two going into the second quarter.
The Badgers’ strong offensive performance continued into the second quarter. A powerful offense led by Uchenna allowed the Badgers to go on a 9-2 run, forcing a Nebraska timeout.
Coming out of the timeout, Nebraska looked to attack on the offensive side. But the Badgers kept pushing on both ends. A steal and layup by junior Kyrah Daniels pushed Wisconsin ahead by 10 with just under two minutes left to play.
With under a minute to play the Badgers held the clock in their favor. A layup by Steele pulled the Badgers ahead by 13 going into halftime.
The second half started out with both teams turning over the ball, causing empty possessions on both sides. The Nebraska Cornhuskers strung together shots, going on a 6-0 run, before Daniels nailed a floater in for the Badgers.
Nebraska continued to press further into the 3rd quarter, forcing Badger turnovers. The Badgers’ 13 point lead quickly faded into a one point lead with less than three minutes to play. The Badgers’ offensive struggles were on full display as they were outscored 22-7, putting them behind 47-45 going into the 4th quarter.
Going into the 4th quarter Wisconsin looked to create on offense. But the Badgers’ unorganized plays and turnovers led to the Cornhuskers making baskets. As fouls began to pile up for Nebraska, Wisconsin began their comeback from the line.
Daniels continued to create offense for the Badgers, putting up a three to tie the game at 60 with under two minutes to play. With seconds remaining on the clock graduate student Destiny Howell blocked a Nebraska three point. The Badgers went on to beat the Cornhuskers 63-60.
The Badgers look to continue their forward momentum as they face the University of Minnesota on Sunday.