After trailing the entire game, the Wisconsin women’s basketball team (0-3 Big Ten, 7-9 overall) fell yet again at home 80-57 to a more dangerous Michigan (2-1, 13-3) squad.
At the front of the Wolverine’s offensive force was UM’s offense senior leader Katelyn Flaherty, who led the team with 24 points and four assists. Trailing close behind Flaherty was Hallie Thome, who added 20 points and five rebounds.
UW’s was limited due to the mass amount of turnovers it committed as a result of Michigan’s tight defense as well as its struggles on the glass. Throughout the season, head coach Jonathan Tsipis has stressed the importance of ball control as well as rebounding — two areas which continue to be difficult areas for the Badgers to overcome — and Thursday night Wisconsin’s struggles yet again revealed themselves.
Courtney Fredrickson helped UW stay in the game by putting up 16 points and contesting the post downlow with six rebounds. Kendra Van Leeuwan provided a spark as well and ended the night with 11 points. Additionally, after missing the last three games, Cayla McMorris returned and chipped in eight points.
Michigan took almost 15 more shots than the Badgers Thursday night due to its success on the offensive glass, and while UW did attempt 24 3-point attempts, it was unable to stop a dangerous UM team.
Wisconsin was able to remain with 10 points for the majority of the content yet, at the end of the third quarter and the onset of the fourth quarter, Michigan went on a run and extended its lead.
Though UW has not gotten off to the best start in conference play, the Badgers must be ready to move on as they face No. 13 Maryland, another talented team, at home on Sunday. Turnovers and rebounding will again be key for a Wisconsin team trying to find success in the Big Ten.
