Starting Five: Badgers set for first-ever WBIT appearance

MADISON – Wisconsin (#3 seed) will open play at the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) against the Oregon State Beavers on Thursday, March 19, at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. (CT) on ESPN+.

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

1. WISCONSIN IN THE POSTSEASON:
The team is making its first appearance in the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) in 2025-26. The Badgers have made 15 all-time postseason tournament appearances, including 7 in the NCAA Tournament, 7 in the WNIT, and one in the AIAW Tournament. Wisconsin captured the 2000 WNIT Championship under head coach Jane Albright and finished WNIT runner-up in 2007 under Lisa Stone.

2. TOURNAMENT HISTORY:
This will be UW's first-ever appearance in the WBIT. The Badgers are the only Big Ten team to earn a bid to the tournament this year. Since the tournament's inaugural run in 2024, Big Ten teams have claimed the title each year, with Illinois winning in 2024 and Minnesota in 2025

3. SCOUTING OREGON STATE:
This will be the first meeting between the two teams in program history. The Beavers enter the match up 23-11 overall and a 13-5 mark in conference play. As a team they are averaging 67.3 points per game and are pulling down 40.4 rebounds per game.

Oregon State's offense is led by Jenna Villa, who averages about 15.1 points per game, with Kennedie Shuler and Tiara Bolden also among the top scorers in the lineup. On the boards, Lizzy Williamson paces the Beavers, pulling down around 5.9 rebounds per game. The team is coached by Scott Rueck, now in his 16th season at Oregon State, where he has compiled a head coaching record of 339-181.

4. LAST TIME OUT:
The team dropped to No. 10 Illinois, 70-82, in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. Gift Uchenna led the Badgers with a season-high 24 points while Kyrah Daniels added 18 points.

5. UP NEXT:
If Wisconsin advances, the team will play either #2 Miami (FL) or Georgia Southern on Sunday, March 22 in the second round. Location and time are TBD.