ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands — Wisconsin (3-2, 0-0 B1G) will look to get back on track as it heads to the 2022 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam. The Badgers will compete from Nov. 24 - Nov. 26 against Georgia (5-0, 0-0 SEC), Seton Hall (2-2, 0-0 Big East) and VCU (1-3, 0-0 A-10). Tip time for all the games is noon from University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center and the games can be streamed on ESPN3 or listened to on WTSO.
Here are five things to know before the Badgers travel to the Virgin Islands:
1. REVIEWING THE REDBIRDS: Wisconsin lost for just the second time this season at Illinois State, 62-57, on Sunday. UW trailed for a majority of the game, starting off with an 11-2 deficit, but always found a way to get within reach of the Redbirds. The Badgers went on a 13-0 run in the first quarter to close the gap to just four points, as well as another 13-0 run in the fourth quarter. Wisconsin ran a press late in the game which ended up being effective, but ultimately, Illinois State's sharp 3-point shooting was too much for the Badgers.
2. B1G FRESHMAN: Serah Williams earned Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week honors, the conference announced Monday. She has led the team in scoring in three of the Badgers' five games this season, including against Illinois State. Most recently, the Brooklyn, N.Y. native accumulated 16 points (7-13 FG, 2-4 FT) and tied for a team-high eight rebounds. The versatile player averaged 17.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game during the week, and has been a strong on-court presence for Wisconsin.
3. LATE GAME RALLY: Trailing by 17 points with 8:30 left in the fourth quarter, it was looking like Wisconsin could have ended up losing by a large deficit. Rather than just accept defeat, the pressure and ticking clock appeared to push the Badgers to play some of their best basketball of the game. They went on a 13-0 run that lasted over five minutes, and were able to get within four points of the Redbirds. The late-game push was accompanied by stellar defense as well, which included Wisconsin running a press that substituted in freshman Ronnie Porter and Sania Copeland. The all-around team effort displayed the team's toughness and desire to win, despite difficult circumstances.
4. PLAYING IN PARADISE: The Badgers will compete in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam women's basketball tournament in St. Thomas for the fourth time in program history. They last participated in the tournament in the 2017-18 season where they posted a 1-2 record, but had the most success in 2008-09 when they went 3-0, including an upset win over No. 6 Baylor in the final contest. The 23rd edition of the event will run from Nov. 24-26 with the games taking place in the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center in St. Thomas. Wisconsin will play three games across the three day tournament, and will face off against Georgia, Seton Hall, and VCU.
5. SCOUTING THE COMPETITION: UW is preparing to face three non-conference foes, beginning with Georgia on Nov. 24. The Bulldogs are off to a 5-0 start, and were predicted to finish ninth in the SEC Preseason Media Poll. Despite its preseason ranking, Georgia had some quality wins in the 2021-22 season, most notably against No. 2 NC State. Next up is Seton Hall, who was tied for fourth in the Big Easy Preseason Coaches Poll. The Pirates won 16 of their last 19 games in the 2021-22 season and finished with a 24-13 overall record, including 12-8 in conference play. They finished their season competing for the WNIT Title, where they ultimately fell to South Dakota State. VCU will be Wisconsin's final opponent of the Paradise Jam and they are off to a 1-3 start. The Rams were chosen fifth in the A-10 preseason poll and return Preseason All-Conference First Team guard Sarah Te-Biasu.
