Badgers defeat NC State, 53-48

Following a tough game against UW-Green Bay, where the Badgers came up just short in their comeback effort, the Wisconsin women’s basketball team rebounded, battling hard to take home the World Vision Invitational title in Eugene, Oregon this past weekend. The team then extended its winning streak to four by defeating the Wolfpack, 53-48, in a back-and-forth battle Thursday night.

Freshman guard Taylor Wurtz continued to shine for Wisconsin, collecting a team high 13 points on the night. That total was also a career best for Wurtz. Junior forward Tara Steinbauer added 11 points and eight rebounds for the Badgers in the annual Big Ten- ACC Challenge matchup.

Although the Badger’s 53 points were a season low, the defense played tough, forcing 13 Wolfpack turnovers and blocking four shots. In addition the Badgers shot over 43 percent from the floor, despite going just 3-for-15 from 3-point range. 

Wisconsin jumped out to a 14-6 lead to begin the game, taking a 25-21 lead into halftime. After the Badgers extended their lead to seven early in the second half, NC State went on a 14-2 run, taking a 39-34 lead. From there, both teams jostled back and forth with Wisconsin clinging tough on defense and staying strong on offense, hanging on for their seventh win of the year.

The Badgers play this Sunday in Columbus, Ohio as they open the Big Ten season against the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes. Tip-off for that game is at 1 p.m. After beginning the season 8-0 and scoring at least 80 points in each of those first eight contests, the Buckeyes suffered an 83-67 loss at the hands of Duke Thursday night. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.