The Wisconsin Badgers women’s basketball team emerged victorious against the Detroit Mercy Titans on Nov. 23, winning 81-61 at the Kohl Center.
Senior guard Lily Krahn led the Badgers with 18 points, going six-of-seven from the field to help Wisconsin take command of the game.
Wisconsin had a slow start to the game, only shooting 31.8 % from the field while committing seven fouls in the first quarter. Foul trouble continues to be a recurring issue for Wisconsin, and especially for senior guard Destiny Howell, whose foul trouble against Detroit Mercy once again limited her minutes.
But the Badgers compensated for their weaknesses with dominance on the boards and tough defense. Wisconsin grabbed ten offensive rebounds and eight defensive rebounds and only allowed ten points, giving them a 16-10 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Wisconsin’s defense found success by forcing Detroit Mercy into turnovers throughout the game. In the second quarter, Wisconsin senior guard Ronnie Porter capitalized on the turnovers with two fast break layups, giving the Badgers a comfortable lead midway through the quarter. Wisconsin, with their offense beginning to find a rhythm, led 32-25 at the half.
Lily Krahn had a huge third quarter with nine points, all coming on 3-pointers. With Howell receiving her fourth personal foul during the third quarter, Krahn’s electric shooting propelled Wisconsin to maintain a healthy lead throughout the quarter. To round off the third quarter, junior guard Jovana Spasovski hit a last second lay up to give the Badgers a 54-42 lead going into the final quarter.
Wisconsin clinched the game after going on a 16-8 run to start the fourth quarter, eventually winning 81-61.
