(UW ATHLETICS) INDIANAPOLIS – The Wisconsin women’s basketball fell to the 10th-seeded Illinois, 70-82, in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.
Gift Uchenna led the Badgers with a career-high 24 points while Kyrah Daniels added 18 points. Laci Steele contributed 12 going 4-for-6 from distance.
How it happened
Wisconsin opened the game with early scoring from Laci Steele and Gift Uchenna, but Illinois responded with a strong run midway through the firrst quarter to build momentum. The Badgers settled into their offense in the second quarter, shooting over 40 percent in the first half. Steele stayed hot from deep and Dorja Zaja contributed in the paint. Despite the offensive improvement, Illinois maintained its edge and carried a 41–33 lead into halftime.
Wisconsin continued to battle in the third period, with Uchena providing a strong inside presence.The Badgers scored 17 points in the quarter, but Illinois answered with efficient shooting and second-chance opportunities. The Badgers fought back down the stretch, scoring 20 points in the final quarter, but Illinois maintained its double-digit lead and closed the game out at the free-throw line to secure the 82–70 result.
Wisconsin ended shooting 44.8% (26-58) from the field, 38.1% (8-21) from deep and 71.4& (10-14) from the line. Illinois posted a 47.5% (28-59) clip from the field, 10.5% (2-19) from three and 82.8% (24-29) at the free throw line.
Notes to Know:
- Laci Steele recorded career-high three point field goals netting four buckets. That ranked second in Big Ten Tournament history for Wisconsin.
- Gift Uchena collected a career-high 24 points and earned her 12th game in double-digits this season.
- Kyarah Daniels earned her 21st game in double-digits, posting 18 points.
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