By Justin Powell | @Justin_Powell24
Sports Capital Journalism Program
INDIANAPOLIS – In the opening game of the 2020 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament, the 12th-seeded Wisconsin Badgers defeated the 13th-seeded Illinois Fighting Illini, 71-55, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Wisconsin’s senior forward Abby Laszewski recorded 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for her third double-double of the season.
“We were excited to come out and play,” Laszewski said. “We all wanted to play together. We had 22 assists, and we were playing at our level.”
Wisconsin (12-18), which ended a seven-game losing streak, moves on to play the fifth-seeded Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the second round of the Big Ten Women’s Tournament Thursday afternoon.
Illinois (11-19), lost for the seventh consecutive game and the 17th time in the last 19 games.
The Illinois 2-3 zone seemed to be no trouble for the Badgers. Laszewski and junior guard Niya Beverley played a big part in the offensive boost.
Beverly hit back-to-back 3-pointers to open the second quarter as the Badgers led 17-11 after an 11-0 run over a span of 2:29. The Badgers outscored the Fighting Illini 41-28 in the second and third quarters, with Laszewski scoring 14 points.
Wisconsin sophomore forward Imani Lewis was able to play the low post game and help spread the floor for her teammates to knock down their shots. She scored 14 points with nine rebounds.
Wisconsin head coach Jonathan Tsipis was pleased with his team’s effort, especially on the offensive end.
“We’re a team that plays through our post players,” Tsipis said. “Once we hit some shots, the basket opened up.”
Illinois and Wisconsin have been familiar with playing in the first round. In the 26-year history of the tournament, Wisconsin and Illinois have each played in the first round 19 times.
But last year, as the 13th seed, Wisconsin made it all the way to the quarterfinal round where the Badgers lost in double overtime to fourth-seeded Michigan 73-65.
Tsipis’ squad will look to do the same tomorrow, as he says they feel no pressure being in the underdog role.
“Obviously it’s a quick turnaround, but they’ve been used to that process,” Tsipis said. “That’s part of the reason we play tournaments over Thanksgiving where it’s back to back, to get them into that recovery mode. It’s a huge challenge, but we’re still playing, and that gives us the opportunity.”
