Starting Five: Wisconsin hosts Purdue before road trip to No. 9 Michigan

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin women's basketball team is set to host Purdue on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 6:30 p.m. (CT) before traveling to Ann Arbor to face No. 9 Michigan on Sunday, Jan. 11. Tip off on Sunday is set for 1 p.m. (CT). Both games will be streamed on B1G+.

Here are five things to know before the Badgers continue conference play:

1. BADGER SPOTLIGHT:
Junior guard Kyrah Daniels has been a steady presence for the Badgers this season, averaging 13.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists through 15 games. She recorded her second straight 20-point performance in Sunday's win over Penn State and has now scored in double figures in 13 games this year.

Destiny Howell has also been a key contributor on the offensive end. Against Penn State, Howell poured in 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 effort from the free-throw line. She enters the week averaging 13.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.

2. SCOUTING THE BOILERMAKERS:
Purdue comes to Madison with an 8–7 overall record and a 0–4 mark in Big Ten play under fifth-year head coach Katie Gearlds. The Boilermakers average 71.7 points per game while shooting 45.2% from the field and pulling down 37.4 rebounds per contest.

The two programs have met more than 80 times, with Purdue holding a 59–22 advantage in the all-time series.

3. SCOUTING THE WOLVERINES:
Under head coach Kim Barnes Arico, Michigan enters the weekend at 11–2 overall and 2–1 in conference play. The Wolverines boast one of the nation's most efficient offenses, averaging 89.3 points per game on 48.2% shooting from the field, while also leading the glass with 44.0 rebounds per contest.

Wisconsin leads the all-time series with Michigan 42–36 and owns a 24–14 advantage in Madison. The two teams last met at the Kohl Center, where the Badgers secured an 82–75 victory.

4. LAST TIME OUT:
Wisconsin bested Penn State, 74–73, in a thrilling finish. Daniels led the Badgers with 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including a perfect night at the free-throw line (4-for-4). Howell added 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting.

As a team, the Badgers shot 47% from the field (29-of-62), 18% from three-point range (3-of-17) and 87% from the free-throw line (13-of-15).

5. UP NEXT:
Wisconsin will stay on the road to play Northwestern on Thursday, Jan. 15. Tip is set for 7:00 p.m. (CT) and can be streamed on B1G+.