MADISON, Wis. (Interstat) — In a fiercely contested in-state rivalry game, the Wisconsin women’s basketball team edged the Green Bay Phoenix 76-72 on Sunday at Kohl Center.

The Badgers used a decisive 25-point fourth quarter to overcome a strong early performance from the visiting Phoenix and improve their record to 4-1. Green Bay, which led for much of the contest, also moved to 4-1 with the non-conference loss.

The game was a tale of contrasting strengths. Despite both teams making 25 field goals, Wisconsin’s efficiency from beyond the arc proved critical. The Badgers connected on 9 of 25 three-point attempts, while the Phoenix were held to 6 of 21 from deep. Wisconsin also capitalized on Green Bay’s mistakes, scoring 20 points off 15 Phoenix turnovers. Green Bay, by contrast, managed 11 points off 13 Wisconsin turnovers.

Green Bay established an early lead, closing the first quarter with a 25-15 advantage behind a dominant inside presence that yielded 34 points in the paint. The Phoenix extended their lead to 37-27 in the second quarter before Wisconsin mounted a response. The Badgers closed the first half on a 9-2 run, narrowing the gap to 36-37 at halftime.

The third quarter was a defensive struggle, with Green Bay outscoring Wisconsin 13-15 to take a slim 50-51 lead into the final period. The fourth quarter saw multiple lead changes as the two teams traded baskets. Wisconsin’s offense found its rhythm, and a key three-pointer from Laci Steele with just over five minutes remaining gave the Badgers a lead they would not relinquish.

Wisconsin was led by a stellar performance from Destiny Howell. The guard from Queens, N.Y., scored a game-high 23 points in 32 minutes of action. Key support came from Breauna Ware, who added 12 points and four assists, and Kyrah Daniels, who nearly recorded a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.

Green Bay’s effort was spearheaded by Meghan Schultz of Waukesha, Wis. The 6-foot-4 forward scored 22 points on efficient shooting, while point guard Kamy Peppler from Hortonville, Wis., filled the stat sheet with 15 points, five rebounds and six assists. Maddy Skorupski was a force on the glass, pulling down 10 rebounds to go with nine points.

The game was ultimately decided by Wisconsin’s ability to create extra possessions and capitalize from the perimeter. The Badgers secured 11 offensive rebounds to Green Bay’s six and dished out 12 assists compared to the Phoenix’s five.

An announced crowd of 3,330 at the Kohl Center watched the back-and-forth affair, which saw the Badgers defy a pre-game statistical projection that had favored Green Bay.

Both teams return to action Wednesday. Wisconsin travels to face Illinois-Chicago, while Green Bay prepares to host Kansas State on Saturday.