Wisconsin Badgers
13-8,5-5Big Ten
Minnesota
14-6,5-4Big Ten
Badgers drop road contest to Golden Gophers
January 25, 2026 | Women's Basketball
Second half push not enough for Wisconsin
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The Wisconsin women's basketball team (13-8, 5-5 B1G) fell to the Minnesota Golden Gophers (14-6, 5-4 B1G) 88-53 this afternoon in Minneapolis.Â
Destiny Howell led the Badgers with 16 points, shooting 6-for-14 from the field and knocking down 4-of-6 from three-point range. Kyrah Daniels added 13 points, converting six free throws and grabbing four rebounds, while Ronnie Porter chipped in nine points with a career-high three triples. Gift Uchenna provided a solid presence inside with eight points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block.
How it happened
Minnesota came out firing, shooting 54 percent from the field and hitting four early three-pointers to jump out to a quick lead. Dorja Zaja scored five early points in the paint to keep the Badgers within reach, but Wisconsin trailed 24–12 after one. The Gophers continued to build momentum in the second quarter. Daniels scored seven points in the period, including a three and trips to the free-throw line, and Porter added a three-pointer of her own. Wisconsin trailed 44–24 heading into halftime.
Wisconsin put together its best shooting quarter of the game coming out of the break. The Badgers went 8-for-14 from the field and hit five three-pointers in the period. Howell caught fire, scoring 13 points in the quarter alone, while Uchenna added six points in the paint. The Badgers continued to battle on both ends of the floor, but were unable to close the gap resulting in a final score of 88–53.
Wisconsin ended shooting 34.6 percent from the field (18-52), 37.5 percent from deep (9-24), and 88.9 percent from the free throw line (8-9). Minnesota shot 59.3 percent (32-54) from the field, 56.3 percent from three, and 79.8 percent (15-19) from the free throw line.Â
Notes to know:Â
- Ronnie Porter reached 400 career rebounds and a career-high in three pointers (3).Â
- Destiny Howell led with 16 points, 13 of which came in the second half.Â
Up Next: Wisconsin will stay on the road and face No. 12 Ohio State on Thursday, Jan. 29. Tip is set for 7:00 p.m. (CT) and will air on Big Ten Network or on the FOX Sports app.
