Looking to get back on track in the Big Ten, and perhaps to make a late season surge, the women's basketball team (2-7 Big Ten, 8-13 overall) got a much needed win against Michigan Sunday. Four clutch free throws by senior Ashley Josephson held off a late rally by the Wolverines (0-9, 6-15) to give the team a 75-65 victory.
'I am proud of our team, they showed no signs of panic,' head coach Lisa Stone said. 'Hopefully, it is the first of a lot more to come.'
While the forwards have done most of the damage lately for the Badgers, this game belonged to the backcourt. Guards Josephson and sophomores Jolene Anderson and Janese Banks combined for 56 points, only nine less than the entire Michigan team.
Anderson had her 21st-straight game in double digits with 23 points, Josephson was 5-6 from three-point range to add 23 of her own, and Banks had 10 points in her second game back from injury.
Wisconsin dominated the game and never trailed, but Michigan kept the game interesting with a couple runs in the second half. The Wolverines chipped the lead down to two with 10 minutes left in the game, but a well-timed 3-pointer from Josephson gave the momentum back to the Badgers as they quickly built the lead up to nine. One last Michigan rally brought the margin to four with two minutes remaining, but Josephson again came through to give the Wolverines their ninth-straight loss.
'Ashley made her last four free throws and that gave us a shot of confidence,' Stone said. 'We are going to enjoy the win.'
An all-around attack was a major difference for the Badgers. Anderson and Banks, along with their 33 points, had a combined 19 rebounds and 10 assists. Senior Jordan Wilson also added a spark, coming through with 11 points and five rebounds. Leading the way for Michigan was Janelle Cooper, who had 13 points and three assists.
Stephany Skrba and Katie Dierdorf both added 12 points to the Wolverine losing effort.
After three days off, Wisconsin will take on conference foe Indiana (5-4, 11-9) Thursday at the Kohl Center.
