MADISON, Wis. (Interstat) — In a fiercely contested in-state rivalry game, the Wisconsin Badgers outlasted the Green Bay Phoenix 76-72 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball showdown Sunday at Kohl Center.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 3,330, was a tale of contrasting styles and momentum swings, ultimately decided by Wisconsin’s superior efficiency and ability to capitalize on Green Bay’s mistakes.

Green Bay started the game with explosive force, racing out to a 25-15 lead after the first quarter behind the dominant interior play of Meghan Schultz. The 6-foot-4 sophomore from Waukesha, Wisconsin, was a force early, helping the Phoenix establish a significant advantage.

However, the second quarter belonged entirely to the Badgers. Wisconsin outscored Green Bay 21-12 in the period, erasing the deficit and taking a 36-37 lead into halftime. The turnaround was fueled by a more disruptive defense and the scoring of Destiny Howell. The Badgers forced numerous Phoenix turnovers, converting them into easy transition opportunities.

The third quarter was a defensive grind, with both teams scoring 15 points, allowing Wisconsin to maintain its slim one-point edge heading into the final period. The game remained tight throughout the fourth quarter, featuring multiple lead changes and tense possessions down the stretch.

With the game hanging in the balance and Green Bay trailing by a single point in the final seconds, a foul sent Wisconsin’s Destiny Howell to the free-throw line with four seconds remaining. Howell, a standout performer all afternoon, sank the first free throw to extend the lead to two points. She missed the second, but Green Bay’s ensuing desperation heave was off the mark, sealing the victory for the home team.

The final score belied a statistical oddity: both teams finished with identical 25-of-57 shooting from the floor. The difference came from beyond the arc and in the efficiency of each team’s possessions. Wisconsin connected on 9 of 25 three-point attempts, while Green Bay managed just 6 of 21. The Badgers also posted a significantly better offensive rating, scoring 108.0 points per 100 possessions compared to the Phoenix’s 96.0.

Wisconsin’s defense was a decisive factor, recording 12 steals and forcing 15 Green Bay turnovers, which they converted into 20 points. The Badgers also shared the ball more effectively, dishing out 12 assists to Green Bay’s 5.

Howell led all scorers with 23 points for Wisconsin, adding 4 rebounds. Kyrah Daniels nearly notched a double-double with 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Breauna Ware provided a vital spark off the bench with 12 points and 4 assists.

For Green Bay, Schultz was formidable, scoring 22 points in just 22 minutes of action. Kamy Peppler filled the stat sheet with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, and Maddy Skorupski was a rebound away from a double-double, finishing with 9 points and 10 boards. Carley Duffney also reached double figures with 11 points.

With the result, both teams moved to 4-1 on the young season. Green Bay will look to rebound at home against Kansas State on Saturday, Nov. 22. Wisconsin hits the road for its next contest, facing Illinois-Chicago on Wednesday, Nov. 19.