MADISON, Wis. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a staggering individual performance and a relentless comeback, Avery Howell propelled Washington to a 91-86 overtime victory over Wisconsin in a pivotal Big Ten women’s basketball clash Sunday at Kohl Center.

Howell, a 6-foot sophomore from Boise, Idaho, delivered a career-defining effort, scoring 34 points and grabbing 14 rebounds to lead the Huskies. Her dominance was the primary counter to a brilliant dual effort from Wisconsin’s frontcourt duo of Gift Uchenna and Destiny Howell, who combined for 52 points.

The most critical sequence of the contest unfolded in the final minute of overtime, with Washington clinging to a one-point lead. After a defensive stop, Avery Howell was fouled and calmly sank two free throws with 14 seconds remaining to extend the lead to three. Wisconsin’s Destiny Howell then missed a potential game-tying three-pointer, and Washington’s Elle Ladine secured the defensive rebound. Sayvia Sellers was fouled and made one of two free throws to seal the victory, capping a 23-point, five-assist night.

The game’s trajectory was a tale of Washington weathering a storm of Wisconsin defensive pressure. The Badgers, leveraging a disruptive defense, forced 19 Huskies turnovers and converted them into 21 points. Ronnie Porter was the catalyst for Wisconsin with 10 assists and a game-high five steals. Despite the Huskies’ ball-security issues and being out-assisted 15-6, they found a way through sheer shot-making and offensive rebounding.

Washington built an early lead behind hot three-point shooting, connecting on 13 of 33 from beyond the arc compared to Wisconsin’s 11 of 22. The Huskies also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 16 of 18 attempts, while Wisconsin managed only 7 of 10.

Wisconsin’s interior force, Gift Uchenna of Nigeria, posted 24 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks, repeatedly answering Washington runs. Destiny Howell added 28 points for the Badgers, including several clutch baskets to keep the game tight.

Regulation ended in dramatic fashion, with the teams trading leads in the final minutes before finishing tied. In overtime, Avery Howell took over, scoring seven of Washington’s 12 points in the extra period, including a crucial three-pointer and the decisive free throws.

The victory improved Washington’s overall record to 18-6, while Wisconsin fell to 13-11. The Huskies overcame their projected favorite status and the pregame spread of -8.5, but the combined score of 177 points sailed far over the over/under line of 134.5.

Washington, which had lost two straight conference games entering Sunday, looks to build momentum when it visits Iowa on Wednesday. Wisconsin, which has now dropped two in a row, travels to face Illinois on the same night.