MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin women's basketball team (4-1) earned a gritty 61-57 victory over the UIC Flames (0-3) on Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Kohl Center.

Serah Williams reached a career milestone in the first quarter, surpassing 1,000 career points to become the 29th Badger to achieve the feat. She tied for the third fastest in program history to do so, reaching the mark in just 66 games. Williams finished the night with 20 points and 14 rebounds, recording her 25th career double-double and bringing her career point total to 1,016.

Carter McCray delivered a solid performance, adding 10 points and 7 rebounds while shooting a perfect 5-for-5 from the field.

As a team, Wisconsin shot an efficient 47.2% (25-53) from the field and 83.3% (10-12) from the free-throw line. Defensively, the Badgers held UIC to 37.3% shooting (22-59) overall and just 30% (3-10) from beyond the arc.

How it Happened

The game began as a defensive battle, with the teams combining for just 21 points in the first quarter. The Badgers led 12-9, forcing three shot-clock violations and holding the Flames to 21.4% shooting.

Wisconsin extended its lead in the second quarter, fueled by Carter McCray's perfect 5-for-5 shooting in the half. The Badgers shot 47.4% from the field in the first half and limited UIC to just seven points in the second quarter, tied for the 10th fewest allowed in a single quarter in program history. At halftime, Wisconsin led 25-16.

The Flames fought back in the second half, cutting the deficit to 29-24 with 6:11 left in the third quarter. However, the Badgers maintained their composure, with Natalie Leuzinger contributing 10 points on 3-for-5 shooting. Wisconsin entered the fourth quarter up 43-36.

In the final frame, the Badgers leaned on their defensive rebounding edge (35-31) and clutch play to hold off UIC for the 61-57 win.

Up Next

The Badgers will close out their three-game homestand on Saturday, Nov. 23, hosting the Omaha Mavericks at 1:00 p.m. in the Kohl Center.