After Wisconsin women’s basketball’s best start in Big Ten play in 15 years, the Badgers have dropped to 3-3 in conference play, losing to the No. 9 Michigan Wolverines 86-60 Sunday afternoon.
Wisconsin’s first quarter was a nightmare, as the Badgers shot a ghastly 8.3% from the field, scoring only five points while committing seven turnovers. Wisconsin held Michigan to six points in the first five minutes, but trailed 21-5 at the end of the quarter.
The Wolverines, on the other hand, took care of business.
Michigan came into the game short-handed, as they were playing without sophomore star Syla Swords. However, despite being without their top threat, the Wolverines took care of business all afternoon. Without Swords, the Wolverines targeted the interior, which Wisconsin struggled to defend.
Michigan was also relentless on defense, double teaming the guards and forcing various turnovers.
Down 21-5 going into the second quarter, Wisconsin struggled to find any answers to cope with Michigan. The Badgers finally started getting into a rhythm by moving the ball and finding open players in the perimeter for threes. The Badgers were able to go on a 7-0 run to build a bit of momentum as the first half ended, but Michigan was still dominant, scoring without much trouble in the paint to take a 46-21 lead into the half.
Going into the second half, with Wisconsin’s chances of a comeback already low, foul trouble became a serious problem for the Badgers in the third quarter. Due to Michigan's presence in the paint, Wisconsin struggled to guard their forwards, which led to constant fouls, and with two minutes left in the quarter, five Badgers were already in foul trouble. The Wolverines used this to their advantage, putting constant pressure on the Badgers.
Michigan led 66-36 going into the final quarter. With little hope for Wisconsin to come back, the Wolverines began to rotate their lineup, with most of their starters resting throughout the quarter. The Badgers benefited from this, with their offense finding better results. Wisconsin finished the quarter with 24 points and shot 53.3% from the field, which was their best quarter offensively all game.
Michigan’s advantage, though, was too big, with the Wolverines eventually winning 86-60, handing Wisconsin its second consecutive loss. A losing two straight games, the Badgers will have to return to their earlier winning ways for a serious shot at an NCAA Tournament bid.
