After their sixth straight loss, the Wisconsin Badgers (1-7 Big Ten, 10-10 overall) look to salvage what remains of this season with a crucial homestand against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-4, 9-10).
Wisconsin can exorcise some of its Big Ten demons against the Huskers by focusing on three main objectives: limiting offensive rebounds, avoiding fouls, and defending the arc.
In its last game against Penn State, Wisconsin gave up several second-chance points, including three late in the fourth quarter to seal its demise. Nebraska’s high-flying offense is difficult enough to defend without allowing extra possessions, so the frontcourt trio of freshman Imani Lewis, senior Marsha Howard, and junior Abby Laszewski must win those pivotal positioning battles.
The challenge will be even greater for Laszewski, who looks to draw the defensive assignment against Huskers forward Taylor Kissinger. The Nebraska sophomore is a knockdown shooter from the charity stripe and the three-point line, making her especially tough to guard.
On the other side of the court the Cornhuskers, will be looking to return to form after a hair-pulling home loss to the Northwestern Wildcats. This ended their two-game winning streak that included an upset comeback against No. 23 Minnesota.
This season Nebraska has thrived on late surges in the fourth quarter. The Huskers most dominant final frame came against San Jose State in a game where they outscored the Spartans 34-14 in the last ten minutes.
To stop its skid, Wisconsin will need to control the glass better than it has in recent games, while also containing Kissinger’s potent scoring.
Tip-off is at 2:00 pm.
