MADISON, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin women's basketball team beat Minnesota, 81-77, on Sunday afternoon, clinching its first Big Ten win of the season.
Julie Pospisilova and Avery LaBarbera paced the Badgers with 20 points and 7 rebounds apiece. Junior Brooke Schramek added 14 more points and secured eight rebounds for the Badgers. Wisconsin (5-11, 1-4 Big Ten) was able to capitalize on Minnesota's (8-8, 1-4 Big Ten) 19 turnovers, with 27 points off of mistakes. Additionally, the Badgers were booster with 13 points from the bench, led by seven points from freshman Ronnie Porter.
The Badgers fell behind 9-1 early, but Serah Williams started a 9-2 run for the Badgers as they ended the first quarter down 18-16. Badgers started out the second quarter with an 8-0 run and were able to keep it close, trailing 37-36 at the half.
Wisconsin started the second half out hot on a 9-0 run. Julie Pospisilova led the Badgers with 10 points in the third quarter as they took a 14 point lead at the 5-minute mark. Minnesota worked a comeback and tied it up at 62-all at the end of the third
The Badgers outscored the Gophers 19-15 in the fourth quarter and were able to hold them scoreless for the final 2:38 of the game.
Wisconsin pulled ahead, 80-77, as Labarbera hit a step-back 3-pointer with 1:51 remaining. Natalie Leuzinger blocked Minnesota's game-tying 3-pointer attempt, and Avery LaBarbera was able to seal the win at the free throw line to give the Badgers the edge, 81-77.
Straight from the Court
Head Coach Marisa Moseley
"The bye week helped us dig into defensive principles and ball pressure, we anticipated that and just followed the game plan. We went through offensive drills and understanding when to make the right pass at the right time, and not just creating the turnovers, but them being able to convert them. I couldn't be more proud of the team."
Senior guard Julie Pospisilova
"I wasn't making a lot of shots in the first half, but when we got to the locker room everyone was supporting me. Just knowing that the whole team was behind me to get me through the hump and my teammates got me open and helped me make my shots."
Senior guard Avery LaBarbera
"We took advantage of this week, part of it was coming together and realizing our mistakes not just offensively but defensively . Offensively we stayed together and emotionally we were together today too."
Up next
Wisconsin will play a pair on the road next week, starting Wednesday, Jan. 11 at Michigan State.
