Preview: Wisconsin Badgers at Oregon State Beavers

CORVALLIS, Ore. (Interstat) — The Oregon State Beavers, riding a strong 23-11 season, will host the struggling Wisconsin Badgers in a nonconference women’s basketball matchup on Thursday, March 19, at Gill Coliseum.

The Beavers enter the contest looking to rebound from a 76-66 road loss at Gonzaga on March 10. Oregon State had won three straight prior to that defeat, including a 60-50 victory over Portland. The team’s success has been fueled by guard Tiara Bolden, who is averaging 17.6 points over her last seven games. She erupted for 29 points in a win over Portland on Feb. 19 and scored 19 in the recent loss to Gonzaga.

Wisconsin (13-17) aims to snap a five-game losing streak, most recently falling 82-70 at Illinois on March 4. The Badgers have struggled on the road, losing their last four away games by an average margin of 18.5 points. Their offense will lean on forward Gift Uchenna, who is coming off a season-high 24-point performance against Illinois. However, her production has been inconsistent during the skid, including a four-point outing in a loss to Iowa on March 1.

Oregon State’s defense, which held opponents under 55 points in three of its recent wins, will test a Wisconsin team averaging just 61.4 points during its losing streak. The Beavers have been dominant at home, winning four of their last five at Gill Coliseum, including decisive victories over Washington State and Portland in February.

For Wisconsin, secondary scoring behind Uchenna will be critical. Kyrah Daniels (18 points vs. Illinois) and Laci Steele have shown capability but must provide sustained support. The Badgers’ defense, which allowed an average of 79.8 points in its last four road losses, faces a significant challenge against a balanced Oregon State attack featuring Bolden and Jenna Villa, who scored 20 points against Gonzaga.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PDT Thursday. The game marks the final regular-season tune-up for both programs before postseason tournament play begins.