Women’s Basketball: In a disheartening home loss, turnovers overwhelm the Badgers.
The Wisconsin women’s basketball team (14-14) suffered a disappointing 55-79 defeat against the Purdue Boilermakers (12-15), largely due to committing twenty-two turnovers and scoring only 24 points in the second half.
Both Wisconsin and Purdue, ranking last and third-last respectively in field goal percentage among Big Ten teams, surprisingly showcased strong shooting in the first quarter, combining for 19 of 29 from the field, resulting in a tied score of 21.
However, the game shifted in the second quarter as both teams struggled offensively, shooting below 35%, with Wisconsin enduring a four-minute scoreless stretch.
Despite Wisconsin trailing 31-34 at halftime, senior Natalie Leuzinger’s unexpected scoring performance, totaling 18 points including ten in the second quarter, provided a glimmer of positivity amidst the team’s struggles.
Although Leuzinger continued her impressive performance in the third quarter with an additional six points, Wisconsin faced challenges, allowing Purdue to pull ahead with a 21-5 run after briefly tying the game at 36.
Purdue’s efficient shooting, achieving 50% from both the field and three-point range, marked the first time a team surpassed these percentages against Wisconsin since the previous season, contributing to Wisconsin’s defensive woes.
Despite sophomore Serah Williams’ thirteenth consecutive double-double, she faced difficulties against Purdue’s defense, shooting 5 of 13 from the field and scoring 11 points, her lowest since November.
Head coach Marisa Moseley acknowledged Purdue’s effective defensive strategies against Williams, emphasizing the need for better ball movement.
Wisconsin’s struggles to capitalize on Williams’ offensive presence is evident in their low three-point shooting percentage, currently ranked 281st nationally. Although the team started strong from deep, making five of ten attempts in the first half, their shooting declined significantly in the second half.
Looking ahead, Wisconsin faces Maryland on Thursday before concluding the regular season with a home game against Michigan State on Sunday.
