The Wisconsin women's basketball team won its second and final exhibition game by defeating Division II Winona State at the Kohl Center Sunday afternoon 87-37.
As opposed to Wisconsin's slow start against UW-Stevens Point in Thursday evening's season opener, the Badgers took control of the court right from tip-off. Quick ball movement and hitting open gaps gave the Badgers excellent shot opportunities inside the paint and open looks from mid-range and behind the arc.
Wisconsin junior forward Danielle Ward posted a game-high 21 points, 16 during the first half. Ward also pulled in a game-high eight rebounds and three blocked shots. Two other Badger forwards scored in double digits; sophomore Caitlin Gibson had 12 points and freshman Brittany Heins had 11.
Junior guard Janese Banks added 10 points and Wisconsin's All-American standout, junior guard Jolene Anderson, scored eight points and led the Badgers with six assists.
""I thought Jolene was very unselfish and did a great job of sharing the basketball,"" said Wisconsin head coach Lisa Stone.
The Badgers' high-pressure defense caused 34 Winona State turnovers, 22 coming in the first half. In addition, UW prevented the Warriors from scoring for almost 10 minutes in the first half, allowing Wisconsin to pull ahead by scoring 24 unanswered points. Between the 14-minute mark and halftime, Winona State was only able to hit two shots that were not free throws, both of which came within the last minute of the first half.
Wisconsin entered the second half with just as much enthusiasm and finished the game with 48 points scored off Warrior turnovers.
""We really focused on ball pressure ... we made them scatter-brained and that's what fueled us on offense,"" Gibson said at the post-game press conference.
Considering Wisconsin has no seniors on the team, the Badgers are still able to carry some experience onto the court from returning players. Wisconsin also needs to continue to work hard and improve as the season progresses.
""I'm so excited that this is the same team for a couple of years,"" Stone said. ""If we can continue to get better everyday ... that's the main thing. We are better today than we were our last game.""
The Badgers open up their regular-season play at Air Force Friday night.
