The Wisconsin women’s basketball team kicked off the new year with a remarkable 70-63 victory over Rutgers. This road win marked the second-largest comeback in the program’s history, as the Badgers overcame a daunting 21-point deficit.
Game Highlights
Kyrah Daniels was the standout performer, leading all scorers with 20 points. She shot an impressive 6-for-11 from the field and sank 4-of-7 attempts from three-point range. Destiny Howell contributed 16 points, while Gift Uchenna recorded a well-rounded game with 10 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. Laci Steele was a vital spark off the bench, scoring 12 points solely from beyond the arc.
First Half Breakdown
- Rutgers began strongly, shooting 79% from the field and making six three-pointers in the opening quarter.
- Wisconsin struggled early, managing just 3-for-14 shooting and trailing 28-9 after the first quarter.
- The Badgers responded effectively in the second quarter, outscoring Rutgers 21-8.
Daniels dominated in the second period, scoring 11 points and hitting three triples. Wisconsin’s defense held Rutgers to just 18% shooting during this quarter, trimming the deficit to 36-30 by halftime.
Second Half Dynamics
The momentum shifted as Wisconsin continued to chip away at Rutgers’ lead in the third quarter. With Uchenna’s contributions inside, they shot 44%, ultimately heading into the final period trailing 54-47.
In the fourth quarter, Wisconsin took control, significantly outscoring Rutgers 23-9. Howell scored 10 points in this pivotal period, while Daniels maintained pressure at the free-throw line. The defense limited Rutgers to just three field goals.
Final Statistics
Wisconsin finished the game shooting 45.3% from the field, including an admirable 48.0% from three-point range. Their success extended to the charity stripe, where they shot 83.3%. In contrast, Rutgers recorded 39.0% shooting overall and 41.7% from three, with an 87.5% accuracy from the free-throw line.
Key Notes
- Laci Steele achieved a career-high by making four three-pointers.
- Ronnie Porter tallied a season-best 10 assists.
- Wisconsin dominated bench points 18-2 and secured 16 second-chance points compared to Rutgers’ 10.
Looking Ahead
Wisconsin is scheduled to host Penn State on January 4 at 3 p.m. CT. The upcoming game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network and the FOX Sports app.
