The Wisconsin Badgers escaped what head coach Robin Pingeton called a "trap game" against IU-Indy. The Badgers were able to pull off an 81-72 victory in a gritty and testy game. Wisconsin had to do it without one of its stars and top scorers, Destiny Howell. After the game, Pingeton gave an injury update for Howell and a timeline for her return.
Robin Pington was able to assure fans and media that Howell is doing fine, "In one of our practices, she kind of banged heads with somebody else and had to get some stitches. I'm not sure how much I can share HIPAA wise, but I mean, she's out for concussion protocol. But she's definitely doing well."
Robin Pingeton thinks that Wisconsin will have Destiny Howell back by the next game
When asked if she would be back before Wisconsin's next game and the start of Big Ten play, she answered, "Yeah." However, with the concussion protocol, it's hard to know for sure. A player has to prove the symptoms have passed for multiple days before being cleared to play.
The good news for Howell and the Badgers is that the next game is in eight days. She has plenty of time to get well and get back on the court. They open conference play against the No. 7 Maryland Terrapins. They technically have already played one Big Ten game against a ranked Michigan State a few weeks ago, but that was in the midst of the non-conference play. The Badgers now officially begin the Big Ten schedule.
Howell will be needed if Wisconsin hopes to pull off another ranked Big Ten win. She is the second leading scorer for the team at 12.6 points a game and put up 13 against Michigan State. It's good news that she will most likely be back by the next game.