Photo by: David Stluka
Turnaround promising for young Badgers
November 30, 2016 | Women's Basketball
Wisconsin splits action vs. tough competition in Las Vegas tournament
BY KELLI GRASHEL
UW Athletic Communications
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin women's basketball team got the spark that it needed in Las Vegas last weekend. Despite splitting the results in the Lady Rebel Round-Up, the amount of progress made in just two games can't be charted.
"This weekend was a great learning experience for myself and the team. We saw that when we play hard, share the ball, believe the game plan and trust each other we come out with a win," senior Avyanna Young said. "The first game against Ole Miss was tough, but we learned, and despite the quick turnaround, we performed as a team."
UW started the weekend on a challenging note, drawing a season-high 31 turnovers and dropping its opening contest to Ole Miss, 69-44.
Wisconsin's response to the loss demonstrated the team's character and tenacity.
The tournament's consolation championship saw three Badgers score in double figures against Tennessee State as Wisconsin tallied its season low in turnovers.
Young scored a game-high and season-high 22 points, while junior Cayla McMorris tallied 21 points to extend her double-figure streak to seven games.
Young led the team in points (22) and rebounds (10), marking the 18th double-double of her career and second of the season.
"I thought she was our energy right from the start," head coach Jonathan Tsipis said. "She didn't hesitate on that 14-footer to start the game and then knocking down some free throws. She was really active in the wing and the zone. The more we can do that and push things out, then other people can get some time and we can continue to build off that."
The two led UW to its largest margin of victory (10) so far this season.
More challenges lie ahead for this squad as they work through growing pains. But the tournament provided big lessons on fighting through tough situations to come out on top.
"This will definitely get us ready for the tough couple of weeks we have ahead of us," Young added. "As much as everyone says we're young, we are aware, but we don't play like it. All we have to do is limit the lulls we have and play hard for a complete 40-minute game and in my eyes we can beat anyone.
"We're ready for whatever. You'll never catch us not battling, that is what coach instilled in us, no matter what don't give up."
The Badgers return home for the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Thursday in the Kohl Center as they take on the Tar Heels of North Carolina at 7 p.m.
"I think (North Carolina) has some tremendous scorers and did a great job bouncing back this weekend after losing to South Florida and came back and beat our Big Ten rival Minnesota," Tsipis said. "I think fans are going to see a very entertaining game and we've got to find ways to make sure and slow them down so we can make sure the tempo is in our favor."
Players Mentioned
G
/ Women's Basketball
F
/ Women's Basketball Wisconsin Women's Basketball Postgame Media Conference || Oct. 27, 2025
Monday, October 27
Robin Pingeton Introductory Media Conference || Wisconsin Women's Basketball || April 1, 2025
Tuesday, April 01
Wisconsin Women's Basketball: Introducing Coach Pingeton
Tuesday, April 01
Connected || Serah Williams
Friday, February 14
