The Wisconsin women's basketball team notched its 12th win of the season Thursday as the Badgers beat Illinois 66-64 at the Kohl Center.
We finally caught a break,"" Wisconsin head coach Lisa Stone said. ""I'm proud of our kids. We deserved this.""
But the win wasn't easy, as the Badgers needed a last-second controversial Illini turnover to seal the game.
With 4.9 seconds left, Illinois guard Rebecca Harris drove the ball the length of the court, dodged Badger defensive specialist Teah Gant and was on her way to sending the game into overtime.
""I thought we could cushion her a little bit more. [Harris] just got it and she went all the way to the rim,"" Stone said. ""She got a step ahead of Teah, so she was going to have to make a play.""
Just then, Wisconsin senior guard Janese Banks jumped out and caused a controversial traveling call as time expired. Coaches and athletes waited for the final ruling from the referees, who decided the game was over.
""She was coming full steam at me and either she was going to run over me or she was going to have to go around me, which takes more time,"" Banks said. ""I didn't think they'd call a travel, but I'll take it.""
Wisconsin senior guard Jolene Anderson scored 13 of Wisconsin's first 15 points and finished the night with 25 points and 12 rebounds, her 24th career double-double and sixth this season.
Illinois went inside early and often on offense. Sophomore center Jenna Smith followed Anderson's lead, notching 10 of the Illini's first 12 points. Smith ended with 24 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Illinois effort.
""She's probably two inches shorter than me, but she can still shoot over me,"" freshman forward Lin Zastrow said of Smith. ""She really uses her body well and is just an overall smart player.""
Wisconsin made major defensive adjustments, fronting Smith in the post and pulling help from the weak side to double team her down low.
""I thought our doubles got a little bit more aggressive and I thought we got it out to their shooters,"" Stone said.
With the win, Wisconsin is now 2-6 in games decided by six points or less, including an 0-3 record in overtime contests.
""You can look back at our record, back at some close games ... the tide was going to turn eventually, and maybe this is the one that did it,"" Stone said. ""This is one that the kids need to feel good about.""
Wisconsin will next travel to Evanston, Ill., to take on Northwestern on Monday live on the Big Ten Network.
