Wisconsin Holds Off Michigan, 75-65
January 29, 2006 | Women's Basketball
The Wisconsin women's basketball team (8-13, 2-7 Big Ten) held off Michigan for a 75-65 win Sunday at Crisler Arena. It was the first Big Ten road win and the second conference victory of the season for the Badgers, who were led by sophomore Jolene Anderson and senior Ashley Josephson, who each netted 23 points.
Anderson (Port Wing, Wis.) once again added to her double-figure scoring streak and has scored double digits in all 21 games this season. She also pulled down 10 boards for her sixth double-double of the season and the 10th of her career. Josephson (Onalaska, Wis.) set a season-high in scoring and put up a 5-of-7 mark from behind the 3-point line.
The Badgers, who led the whole game and by as many as 14 in the first half, saw Michigan come crawling back in the second half and cut the lead to two, 53-51, with 10:15 to play. After the team's traded baskets, Josephson hit a much-needed 3-pointer, the first of seven points from the Badgers to give UW a cushion, 62-53, with 10:14 to play.
The Wolverines would come within four with 2:09 left in the game but Josephson was flawless from the charity stripe, connecting on all four of her attempts to put the game away.
'I certainly give Michigan a lot of credit. They made it interesting. I am proud of our team. They showed no signs of panic. Ashley (Josephson) made her last four free throws and that gave us a shot of confidence. We are going to enjoy the win. It's a happy feeling for once and hopefully it is the first of a lot more to come.'
Janese Banks (Indianapolis, Ind.) also had a solid performance in her second game back after sitting out because of injury. She was just one rebounds shy of a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. Wisconsin's backcourt trio of Anderson, Josephson and Banks combined for 56 of the squad's 75 points.
Wisconsin made its first six of seven shot attempts from the field to open the game and quickly led 13-3. The Badgers led by as many as 14, 31-17, with 8:09 to play, but Michigan would outscore UW 16-11 down the stretch. The Badgers led 42-33 at the break. Anderson and Josephson combined for 28 of Wisconsin's 42 first-half points.
The Badgers saw a strong game from senior Jordan Wilson (Naperville, Ill.) who finished with 11 points and five rebounds. Anderson and Banks also led the team with five assists apiece.
Wisconsin also won the battle on the boards, 45-34 but committed 23 turnovers to Michigan's 20.
Janelle Cooper led Michigan (6-15, 0-9 Big Ten) with 13 points.
'For us, this opens the door. When we get Annie (Nelson) back, we'll see what happens,' Stone said.
The Badgers welcome Indiana to town for a 7 p.m. contest Thursday at the Kohl Center.
