Wisconsin (8-18, 3-11 Big Ten) traveled to Minneapolis to take on Minnesota (9-16, 2-12) for the second time this season. Earlier this season at the Kohl Center, Wisconsin won 81-77.
The Badgers played strong from start to finish and ended their four game losing streak. This was a much needed win for Wisconsin, as their recent second half struggles resulted in losses.
The Gophers took an early 12-5 lead, but the Badgers fought back. Wisconsin’s Ronnie Porter made two key free throws that gave her team a one point advantage. Julie Pospisilova then shot a jumper in the remaining six minutes of the first quarter to give Wisconsin a two point lead.
Throughout the second quarter, there was a lot of back-and-forth with five ties and five lead changes.
The Badgers’ bench contributed eight points in the second quarter, which was ultimately key to their success. Wisconsin coach Marisa Moseley was able to rely on her bench as each player recorded at least two points. Sania Copeland even came off the bench to play for 30 minutes, which was more than freshman-starter Sereh Williams (18).
By the end of the first half, Minnesota had a one point advantage – 35-34.
Wisconsin struggled a bit in the third quarter, putting up just 10 points as they shot 3-of-13 from the field. Minnesota had a four point lead by the end of the third quarter.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Gopher Mallory Heyer made a 3-pointer to put her team up by five. However, Wisconsin’s offense came alive in the game’s closing minutes.
The Badgers’ shot above 50% from the field, which included 3-of-5 in the final period alone.
Avery LaBarbera nailed a 3-pointer to knot the game at 55 with just over four minutes left.
Minnesota then took another five point lead with under two minutes left.
Maty Wilke hit a 3-pointer that tied the game at 63 points with 44 seconds left. The Gophers drove right back down the court and drew two fouls. Heyer made both shots.
Pospisilova took the ball right to the net for a layup with 30 seconds remaining. At the end of the fourth quarter, the teams were tied at 65.
In overtime, the Badgers dominated — scoring 11 points compared to the Gophers’ five. Wisconsin also shot 6-of-8 from behind the line, while Minnesota missed both of their free throw shots.
Halfway through the five-minute overtime, Wilke made her third 3-pointer of the afternoon. Then, Wisconsin continued to take a six point lead as Minnesota missed three consecutive shots.
With under 20 seconds left in overtime, the Gophers were forced to foul to stop the clock, but it was not enough.
Wisconsin claimed the overtime win 76-70 after a hard fought battle. The Badgers were led by Pospisilova’s 22 points, followed by Brooke Schramek’s 20 points and six boards.
Minnesota’s freshman forward Heyer scored a career-high 28 points and 15 rebounds.
Wisconsin will continue their away series, traveling to Iowa on Wednesday. Minnesota will face Nebraska at home on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m.
