Starting Five: Wisconsin welcomes rival Minnesota

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin women's basketball team returns home to host Minnesota on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5:00 p.m. (CT). The game will air on Big Ten Network.

Here are five things to know before the Badgers face the Gophers:

1. THREE BALL THREAT:
Wisconsin has taken a major step forward from beyond the arc in the 2025–26 season, averaging 8.8 made three-pointers per game, up from 6.0 last season, and ranking first in the Big Ten in threes made per contest, while shooting roughly 34.4% from three. The Badgers have also significantly increased their three-point attempts, rising from 17.8 per game in 2024–25 (243rd nationally) to about 25.0 attempts per game in 2025–26 (40th nationally), a jump of nearly 7.2 attempts per game.

2. SCOUTING THE GOPHERS:
Head coach Dawn Plitzuweit has led Minnesota to a 19-6 overall record and 10-4 mark in conference play. The Gophers are coming off a 84-67 win against Nebraska and as a team they average 75.9 points per game and pull down 39.4 rebounds per game.

3. SERIES HISTORY:
This is the second time this season Wisconsin and Minnesota have tipped off with Minnesota winning the first meeting 88-53 in Minneapolis. This will be the 91st overall meeting between the two with the Badgers trailing in the all time series 20-21 when playing at the Kohl Center.

4. LAST TIME OUT:
Wisconsin dropped a 92-60 game to Illinois on Wednesday night.

Dorja Zaja led the Badgers with 16 points going 7-for-11, adding two free throws and a rebound in 19 minutes. Gift Uchenna recorded 13 points and a team-high seven rebounds, including five offensive boards. Kyrah Daniels added six points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Lily Krahn chipped in five points and two assists off the bench.

The Badgers finished shooting 36.9% (24-65) from the field, 21.7% (5-23) from deep and 58.3% (7-12) from the line. The Illini ended shooting 58.1% (36-62) from the floor, 64.7% (11-17) from three and 75.0% (9-12) from the line.

5. UP NEXT:
The Badgers head to the West Coast to face USC on Thursday, Feb. 19. Tip is set for 8:00 p.m. (CT) and the game will air on Peacock.