March 1, 2012
Recap | Box Score | Quotes
Wisconsin’s season came to an end with an 81-49 loss to Minnesota in the first round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Badgers end their first season under head coach Bobbie Kelsey 9-20.
The loss was Wisconsin’s worst in the Big Ten Tournament. The previous largest loss was a 24-point deficit (70-46) to No. 1 Ohio State in the 2005 quarterfinals.
Wisconsin shot a season-low 27.5 percent (14-of-51) from the field and made a season-low 14 field goals.
The Badgers went 15-of-19 (78.9 percent) from the free throw line. Sophomore Morgan Paige was a perfect 6-of-6 from the line.
Wisconsin set a season record for free throw percentage, hitting 75.6 percent (288-of-381), breaking the mark of 74.2 percent set in 2006-07.
Junior Taylor Wurtz led the Badgers with 13 points and five rebounds. She was the only UW player in double figures.
Senior Anya Covington made the first 3-pointer of her career, hitting a shot as the shot clock was running down at 14:11 in the second half.
The Badgers recorded a season-high eight blocks, led by two from Cassie Rochel. Freshman AnnMarie Brown had the first block of her career.
All 12 UW players saw action and seven scored. Junior Kelly Supernaw hit two 3-pointers late in the game for six points.
The Badgers fall to 9-17 in 18 Big Ten Tournament appearances, losing in the first round as the No. 9 seed for the third time.
Seniors Anya Covington, Jade Davis and Ashley Thomas played their last game in the Cardinal and White.
The Gophers pulled away midway through the first half, going on a 14-0 run to take a 28-15 lead with 3:31 to play. The Badgers trailed 39-23 at the half.
The Gophers set Big Ten Tournament opponent records for rebounds (51) and tied a tournament record with 32 made field goals.
Minnesota had four players in double figures led by Kiara Buford with 19 points. Rachel Banham and Kionna Kellogg each added 11 points while Micaella Riche chipped in 10 points.
The Gophers scored 50 points in the paint and 20 off second-chance baskets. Minnesota outrebounded Wisconsin 51-24.
Minnesota shot an opponent season high of 55.6 percent (5-of-9) from 3-point range. The Gophers also pulled down an opponent season-high 51 rebounds.
