MADISON, Wis. (Interstat) — Shay Ciezki scored 31 points, including a crucial three-point play in the final minute, and the Indiana Hoosiers withstood a furious fourth-quarter rally to edge the Wisconsin Badgers 77-74 in a Big Ten women’s basketball game Wednesday night at Kohl Center.

In a contest defined by offensive execution and a dramatic shift in momentum, Indiana built a commanding 15-point lead entering the final period only to see Wisconsin storm back and tie the game in the closing minutes. Ciezki, the Hoosiers’ standout guard, delivered the decisive blow, hitting a step-back 3-pointer while being fouled by Wisconsin’s Kyrah Daniels with 1:51 remaining. She converted the ensuing free throw to put Indiana ahead 73-69, a cushion the Hoosiers would not relinquish.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in that final two minutes. After Wisconsin’s Shay Bollin answered with a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to one, Ciezki struck again. With the shot clock winding down, she drained another deep 3-pointer, this time drawing a foul from Destiny Howell. She made the free throw to complete a second consecutive four-point play, pushing the Indiana lead back to 77-72 with 1:09 left. Wisconsin managed only two more points, a layup from Howell, as Indiana’s defense held firm on the final possession.

The game was a tale of two halves for Indiana. The Hoosiers methodically built their lead through the first three quarters, shooting a blistering 55.8% from the field. Their offense was efficient, posting an offensive rating of 110.6 points per 100 possessions, and they dominated inside with 36 points in the paint. Ciezki was the catalyst, but she received vital support from Nevaeh Caffey, who added 16 points, and Lenée Beaumont, who contributed 11 points and five assists.

Wisconsin, meanwhile, struggled to find consistent offense for the first 30 minutes. Despite winning the rebounding battle 11-7 on the offensive glass, the Badgers shot just 30 of 66 from the field and managed only four assists as a team. Their fortunes changed dramatically in the fourth quarter. Trailing 59-44, they unleashed a 27-point period, fueled by hot outside shooting. Bollin and Laci Steele combined for four 3-pointers in the final frame as part of a 9-for-22 team performance from beyond the arc. Steele finished with 12 points, all from long range, while Bollin had 14 and Howell and Daniels each added 15.

The Badgers’ comeback was sparked by defensive pressure, forcing several Indiana turnovers that led to transition opportunities. They finally drew even at 66-66 on a Bollin 3-pointer with 2:16 to play, setting the stage for Ciezki’s late heroics. Wisconsin’s final chance to tie ended when a last-second heave was off target.

Statistically, Indiana’s efficiency proved the difference. They committed 11 turnovers to Wisconsin’s 10 but were far more effective at converting their chances, assisted by a 13-for-16 performance from the free-throw line compared to Wisconsin’s 5-for-7. The Hoosiers also held a significant advantage in assists, 7-4, and steals, 7-4.

With the victory, Indiana improves to 13-10 overall. Ciezki’s 31-point outing continues a stellar individual stretch, following a 33-point performance in a win over Northwestern on Sunday. Wisconsin, which also falls to 13-10, was led by the balanced scoring of Daniels, Howell and Bollin but could not overcome the early deficit and Ciezki’s late-game explosion.

The announced attendance at the Kohl Center was 2,837. Indiana next hosts Purdue on Sunday, while Wisconsin will welcome Washington to Madison the same day.