MADISON, Wis. —  The Wisconsin women's basketball team (7-5, 0-2 B1G) will begin 2024 at home against Nebraska (10-3, 2-0 B1G) on Thursday, Jan. 4 The game will tip-off at 8:00 p.m. (CT) and air on Big Ten Network.  

Here are five things to know before the Badgers matchup against the Cornhuskers:

1. 15 FOR LEUZINGER:  Natalie Leuzinger, notched a career-high 15 points (5-6 FG, 1-1 3FG, 4-6 FT) against Purdue on Dec. 30.

Coming off of the bench, the senior contributed 30% of the Badgers scoring on the night. Leuzinger is now 49.3% from the field.

2. STARTERS ARE SCORING: In a recent game against Eastern Illinois all starters scored 10 points or more. Throughout this season, the Badgers have had five starters averaging 9.0 points or more in a game.

3. DEFENSE LIVES HERE: Wisconsin has made big strides on the defensive end of the floor this season. After allowing 72.6 ppg a year ago, the Badgers are holding opponents to just 65.6 ppg in 2023-24.

UW has also been stifling shooters, sitting fourth in the Big Ten in opponent field goal percentage at 37.9%, down from 43.0% a year ago.

4. LAST TIME OUT: The Badgers traveled to Purdue to face the Boilermakers. Prior to this contest, five of the last six games finished within three points.

With Serah Williams out, Senior Halle Douglass claimed her first start since March of 2022. Natalie Leuzinger also played off of William's absence and scored a career-high 15 points. She also had a team-high field goal percentage of 83.3%.

Brooke Schramek had four assists, five rebounds, and two blocks.

The Badgers tried to find momentum throughout the game, but the Boilermakers came out on top, 89-50.

5. SCOUTING THE CORNHUSKERS: The Badgers are looking to break a 7-game losing streak against Nebraska.

The Cornhuskers are 10-3 on the campaign and 2-0 in the Big Ten.Nebraska averages 79.2 ppg and shoots 45.2% from the field.

Alexis Markowski leads the Cornhuskers, averaging 17.5 ppg and 9.8 rpg, and is fourth in the B1G in scoring.