(UW ATHLETICS) CORVALLIS, ORE – The three-seeded Wisconsin women’s basketball team triumphed over Oregon State 62-58 in the first round of the WBIT.
Dorja Zaja led the way with a game-high 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, while Destiny Howell added 13 and Kyrah Daniels chipped in 11 points and seven rebounds.
How it Happened:
The Badgers came out aggressive and confident, quickly settling into their offense after an early Oregon State three-pointer. Howell took control with a mid-range jumper, then followed it up with a three-pointer off a Ronnie Porter assist to tie the game at 5-5. Moments later, Howell came up with a steal and converted a fast-break layup, capping a personal 7-0 run that gave Wisconsin its first lead at 7-5 in the opening minutes, scoring nine of Wisconsin’s first-quarter points and sparking a 7-0 response that flipped an early deficit into a lead. Wisconsin stayed strong in the second quarter especially in the paint when Zaja drew an AND1. She completed the three point play and then scored the next four points for the Badgers. Krahn bucketed a triple to close out the quarter and give Wisconsin a 31-22 heading into halftime.
Oregon State made its strongest push in the third quarter, shooting 57% from the field and hitting four three-pointers to briefly take a 40-38 lead. Wisconsin responded as Daniels and Zaja combined for key baskets, while Porter added a timely three-pointer to help the Badgers regain control. Wisconsin closed the quarter on a 9-1 surge, heading into the fourth with a 49-43 lead.
In the final frame Oregon State cut into the lead pulling within one possession early in the quarter. Zaja answered for the Badgers as she scored inside on a key possession to stop the momentum, finishing through contact and reestablishing a two-possession lead. Moments later, Kyrah Daniels added a strong finish in the paint, helping Wisconsin push the lead back to multiple possessions. As Oregon State continued to press Krahn knocked down one of her two three-pointers in a crucial stretch, extending the lead and forcing the Beavers to play from behind again. OSU made one final push in the closing minutes, cutting the deficit to just a few points but Wisconsin remained composed with Howell delivering a key late bucket to help secure the 62-58 win.
Wisconsin ended shooting 49.1% (27-55) from the field, 26.3% (5-19) from beyond the arc and 100% (3-3) from the line. Oregon State finished 40.4% (23-57) from the field, 31.6% (6-19) from three and 75.0% (6-8) from the line.
Notes to Know:
- Lily Krahn collected four rebounds to post a new career-high.
- Dorja Zaja’s 18 point performance earned her a new career-high.
- This marks the first win over OSU in program history.
- The Badger bench outscored the Beaver bench 27-8.
Up Next:
Wisconsin will face second-seeded Miami on Sunday, March 22.
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