COLUMBUS, Ohio. — The Wisconsin women's basketball team (10-9, 3-6 B1G) heads out on a two game road trip, and begins its play against Ohio State (17-3, 8-1 B1G) on Thursday, Feb. 1 Tip off is at 5 p.m. inside the Schottenstein Center, and the game can be streamed live on Big Ten Network, or listened to on 1070 WTSO-AM.
Here are five things to know before the Badgers matchup against the Buckeyes.
1. HONORING THE BADGERS: For the first time in Wisconsin women's basketball history, the team swept the Big Ten weekly awards. Following games against Minnesota and Rutgers last week, Serah Williams earned the title of Big Ten Player of the week. The sophomore earned three Big Ten Rookie of the week awards last season, while also being honored on the Big Ten All Freshman team, but this was her first time being recognized as conference player of the week. Tessa Grady claimed title to Big Ten Freshman of the Week following her performance against The Golden Gophers. The Dublin, Ohio native dropped five three pointers in Wisconsin's 59-56 victory over Minnesota back on Tuesday, Jan. 23, tying her career-high in points of 15.
2. SERAH'S A STANDOUT: In what feels like a regular occurrence lately, Serah Williams recorded yet another double-double in Wisconsin's last game against Rutgers. The Brooklyn, N.Y. native delivered 31 points, tying her career high, and accompanied that with 12 rebounds. Williams secured her ninth double-double of the season and sixth consecutive one, which tied Imani Lewis for third all-time in consecutive double-doubles. On the other end of the court, Williams has also been a dominant force. With four blocks against Rutgers, Wisconsin moved into seventh in all-time blocks with a total of 111.
3. DISHING OUT DIMES: Ronnie Porter delivered nine assists in the Badgers' victory over the Scarlet Knights, securing her a career high in the stat category. Porter played truly selfless basketball, and assisted 11 of Serah Williams' 31 points. The sophomore is leading the Badgers in average assists per game with 4.6, and is also a leader in assists in the Big Ten. Porter is ninth in the conference in total assists this season with 86, and ranks sixth in assist/turnover ratio at 1.9.
4. DEFENSIVE HISTORY: After the first ten minutes had concluded in the game against Rutgers, Wisconsin led by an astounding score of 22-3. Wisconsin allowed for just one field goal and one free throw to be notched against them all quarter, which ties for the second-fewest points a team has scored against UW in a single quarter. The fewest points the Badgers have ever allowed was two points to Rutgers back on Feb. 18, 2017.
5. SCOUTING THE BUCKEYES: The No. 8 Buckeyes are off to a strong start in Big Ten Play, with an 8-1 record, and 17-3 overall record. The team's most notable victory came against No. 2 Iowa back on Jan. 21, winning 100-92 in Columbus. The most consistent contributor for OSU has been Jacy Sheldon, who averages 17.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest. The 2022 AP All-American Honorable Mention recipient is followed in scoring by sophomore Cotie McMahon, who averages 13.9 points per game and 6.1 rebounds. McMahon played a key role in neutralizing the Hawkeyes, notching a 33 point, 12 rebound double-double.
