MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin women's basketball team took down Rutgers 66-64 on Sunday thanks to Ronnie Porter's game-winning free throws as the Badgers opened Big Ten play in the win column.
UW improves to 8-2 for the first time since 2009-2010 and wins its first conference opener in nine years. Wisconsin has yet to lose in the Kohl Center this season, going 6-0 for the first time since 2019-2020. The Badgers also picked up their fourth-straight victory over the Scarlet Knights.
Wisconsin came out with the momentum, closing the first quarter up six due in part to Carter McCray's eight points.
The sides went back and forth into the second quarter as Rutgers climbed back. Ronnie Porter killed their momentum, hitting a three as part of her seven first-half points. Serah Williams dominated the glass with eight boards and six points, helping UW take a 27-26 lead into the break.
The Badgers' defense caught fire out of the break, forcing four consecutive turnovers to spark a 10-2 run. Williams punctuated the stretch with an and-one layup as Wisconsin's lead ballooned to 53-42 at the end of the third.
The game went down-to-the-wire in the fourth quarter with Rutgers storming back once again. Wisconsin took a two-point lead with 30 seconds remaining, thanks to a Tess Myers three-pointer, before Rutgers answered to tie the game. On the final Badger possession, Ronnie Porter drove to the rim and got fouled with under one second. She converted the clutch free throw to close out Rutgers' comeback bid.
Williams ended her day with a team-high 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting. She added 13 rebounds and 6 assists, marking her first career 20-10-5 game. Her newfound passing prowess has been in full effect this season as she eclipsed her 2023-2024 assist total during Sunday's contest.
McCray posted an efficient 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting. Her interior presence got the Badgers over the line as she hauled in six offensive rebounds. Myers contributed with 11 points of her own, hitting three three-pointers.
Up Next: The Badgers head to Butler (9-2) and the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse on Dec. 11. The Bulldogs ride a three-game win streak, including a 69-60 win over Ohio on Sunday. Tuesday's tip is set for 6 p.m.
