Wisconsin Badgers
13-9,5-6Big Ten
Ohio State
19-3,8-2Big Ten
Wisconsin falls to No. 11 Ohio State, 81-58
January 29, 2026 | Women's Basketball
Strong first half not enough for Badgers
COLUMBUS, Ohio. – The Wisconsin women's basketball team (13-9, 5-6 B1G) dropped to #11 Ohio State (19-3, 8-2 B1G), 81-58, on the road.
Destiny Howell led the team in scoring with 29 points off a season-high 11 field goals and 5-for-7 shooting from beyond the arc. Ronnie Porter added eight points, while Lily Krahn contributed six points with a pair of three-pointers. Gift Uchenna anchored Wisconsin inside with a team-high 12 rebounds and three blocks.
How it happened
Wisconsin set the tone early, knocking down five triples and shooting 56 percent in the opening period. Howell scored eight points in the quarter, while Porter and Kyrah Daniels added timely threes to help the Badgers build a 23–17 lead after one. The Badgers struggled offensively in the second quarter and despite strong defensive efforts, Ohio State used trips to the free-throw line and interior baskets to take a narrow 29–28 lead into halftime.
Wisconsin continued to battle coming out of the break, with Howell staying hot and scoring 10 points in the third quarter alone. However, Ohio State's efficient shooting and fast-break opportunities created separation, as the Buckeyes outscored the Badgers to take a 56–45 lead. The Badgers fought to close the gap in the final frame, but Ohio State maintained control down the stretch. Howell added six more points, and Wisconsin got contributions off the bench from Krahn and Jovana Spasovski. Despite the effort, the Buckeyes closed strong to seal the 81–58 result.
Wisconsin ended shooting 39.3% (22-56) from the field, 45.8%(11-24) from deep and 42.9% from the free throw line. Ohio State shot 46.3% (31-67) from the field, 31.3% (5-16) from three and 66.7% (14-21) from the line.Â
Notes to know:Â
- Kyrah Daniels surpassed 1,000 career points with her first basket of the game.
- Destiny Howell led the team in scoring with 29 points off a season-high 11 field goals. This is her third 20+ point game of the season
- Laci Steele grabbed a career-high 5 assists.
Up Next: Wisconsin hosts Indiana on Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will stream on B1G+.Â
