Wisconsin WBB get to play host after 2 big WBIT wins, the latest over Miami

It was not pretty in the first half, but the Wisconsin Badgers continue their WBIT journey. The Badgers used a strong three-point shooting show in the second half to defeat the Miami Hurricanes in Coral Gables, 72-65, on Sunday. With the win, the Badgers now host a home game against the Harvard Crimson on Thursday, March 26th, at the Kohl Center at 6:30 P.M. CT.    

The Wisconsin Badgers return to Madison with two WBIT postseason wins

The Badgers got off to a big lead in the first half thanks to tight defense by Wisconsin and poor shooting from the Miami Hurricanes. Wisconsin held Miami to 15 points in the first half on 5-of-30 shots from the floor. 

For Robin Pingeton’s squad, it was not much better. The Badgers finished the first half with a 29% shooting percentage from the floor. Wisconsin scored a mere 23 points on 10-of-35 shots from the floor. What did that make for? A 23-15 halftime lead in an NCAA women’s basketball game.  

The third quarter was a completely different story from the first half. Wisconsin dominated the game thanks to that aforementioned three-point shooting. The Badgers finished the half with a perfect 7-of-7 from behind the three-point line and found themselves up 57-37 at the end of the third quarter. 

Despite holding a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Hurricanes chipped away at the Badgers’ lead. With under one minute left in the game, Wisconsin found itself up 67-65 with 45 seconds left in the game. That was the closest Miami got in the second half, as Wisconsin held on for the victory. 

Destiny Howell led the Badgers with 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting, driving the team's offense. Kyrah Daniels achieved her first double-double of the season, contributing 14 points and 13 rebounds, providing both scoring and vital rebounding. Gift Uchenna also posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, giving the Badgers a strong inside presence. 

Uchenna was also critical in making Miami’s leading scorer, center Ra Shaya Kyle, struggle from the floor. Kyle, a 16.5 PPG scorer this season, finished with just nine points on 2-of-11 shots against Wisconsin.