Starting Five: Wisconsin hosts Oakland in season opener

MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin women's basketball team tips off the regular season against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Kohl Center. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m. (CT), with streaming available on B1G+ and radio coverage on 1070 The Game and the iHeartRadio app.

Women's Basketball Media Center

Here are five things to know before the Badgers face the Golden Grizzlies:

1. A NEW ERA BEGINS: Wednesday marks the first game under head coach Robin Pingeton, who takes over after 15 seasons at Missouri. Pingeton brings a proven track record, including 10 postseason appearances and multiple WNBA draft picks. She inherits a roster anchored by returners Ronnie Porter and Lily Krahn, while adding eight newcomers, including six transfers from the portal, highlighted by MEAC Player of the Year Destiny Howell.

2. HISTORY VS. OAKLAND: This marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

3. SCOUTING THE GOLDEN GRIZZLIES: Oakland averaged 59.4 points per game during the 2024-25 season while holding opponents to 59.2. The Golden Grizzlies shot 39.0% from the field and 29.0% from three, averaging just over five triples per game.

In their first game of the 2025-26 campaign, Oakland dominated Cleary, 90-32. Cali Denson led the Golden Grizzlies with 21 points as the team shot 50.7% from the field, 37.5% from three, and 56.3% from the free-throw line.

4. RETURNING TALENT: Senior point guard Ronnie Porter returns after a strong 2024-25 season, averaging 8.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. She improved her assist-to-turnover ratio to 2.5 and recorded multiple career double-doubles, including a career-high 26 points vs. Georgetown. Senior guard Lily Krahn also returns as a key perimeter player, averaging 7.1 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 38% from three and maintaining a 2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio.

5. LOOKING AHEAD: The Badgers hit the road to renew the I-94 rivalry with in-state foe Marquette on Saturday, Nov. 8. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m., with streaming available on ESPN+.

Starting Five: Wisconsin hosts Oakland in season opener

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Players Mentioned

Destiny Howell

Lily Krahn

Ronnie Porter

University of Wisconsin Athletics