(UW ATHLETICS) MADISON – The Wisconsin women’s basketball team (16-17) stormed back late to take down Harvard (20-12) 64-61 in the WBIT Quarterfinals at the Kohl Center, securing their spot in the Semifinals in Wichita, Kansas.
Head coach Robin Pingeton earned her 600th career win, as the Badgers tallied seven unanswered points in the final 42 seconds to force overtime. UW held strong on the defensive end to win it, as Ronnie Porter took a charge with under 10 seconds to cap off the victory.
Four Badgers finished in double figures offensively, as Gift Uchenna led the way with 17 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Kyrah Daniels accumulated 15 points on five 3-pointers, Destiny Howell chipped in 13 and Lily Krahn added 10.
How it Happened
The Badgers found some separation toward the latter half of the period, as Lily Krahn nailed a 3-pointer to make it 10-8. UW forced a turnover and capitalized immediately—putting together a quick 7-0 burst with the help of back-to-back baskets turned in by Gift Uchenna.
Harvard responded with a 15-0 run of their own to take a 23-14 lead halfway through the second quarter. Wisconsin clawed back quickly, as Ronnie Porter capped off a 7-0 run with a floater.
The teams continued to trade buckets for the rest of the half, as the Crimson and Badgers entered the locker room with a tied score of 26-26.
Uchenna maintained the momentum on the offensive end to kick off the third quarter, scoring UW’s first five points.
Kyrah Daniels hit her second 3-pointer of the game and Krahn followed it up with a pair of free throws—cutting the Crimson lead to 39-38 to conclude the third.
After falling behind early on in the fourth, UW found a spark on the defensive end and forced a couple of turnovers—storming back in the final minute to erase a seven-point deficit and tie the game at 56-56. Destiny Howell provided the game-tying bucket with a layup with 11 seconds to go.
In overtime, Wisconsin and Harvard continued to trade baskets. UW led 62-61 in the final seconds, as Porter took a charge to force the Crimson’s 18th turnover of the game. Howell converted on both of her free throws late to seal the victory for the Badgers and punch their ticket to the WBIT Semifinals.
The Badgers finished 43.9% (25-57) from the field, 33.3% (8-24) from beyond the arc and 75% (6-8) at the free throw line. Harvard put together a 32.8% (22-67) showing on the night, shooting 38.1% (8-21) from three and 75% (9-12) at the free throw line.
Notes to Know:
- UW will make their first appearance in a postseason semifinal since the 2007-08 season.
- Wisconsin’s 12-5 record at home marks its best since the 2008-09 season.
- Gift Uchenna scored 10 or more points for the 14th time this year.
Up Next:
The Badgers will play the winner of Columbia and California in the Semifinals of the WBIT in Wichita, Kansas, on Monday, March 30 at Charles Koch Arena.
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