State fell to the Wisconsin Badgers in a tightly contested game Thursday night at Reynolds Coliseum. This game was a part of the Big Ten ACC Challenge event, which the ACC was leading 2-1 before this game. The Badgers struck first with a lay up from forward Tara Steinbauger, but the Pack quickly responded with two free throws from guard Marissa Kastanek.
Poor shooting plagued both teams on the offensive end. The Pack only shot 29.2 percent from the field and Wisconsin shot 38.5 percent.
Turnovers and physical play also slowed the pace of the game. The Pack committed seven turnovers and eight fouls while the Badgers committed eight turnovers of their own.
“They were just tall and big-bodied, it was tough to get shots just because they were bigger,” forward Bonae Holston said.
Wisconsin maintained control for the majority of the fist half, but the Pack continued to climb back into the game. Forward Bonae Holston scored six straight points to bring it within two points. Forward Brittany Strachan later hit a three to bring the score to 17-18. The Pack finished off the first half with a last second jumper from guard Nikitta Gartrell, leaving the score at 21-25.
“Well they forced us [into] playing the half court game, and they took away any transitional opportunities that we might could get,” coach Kellie Harper said.
The game began to change for the Pack early on in the second half. A steal and lay up from guard Amber White brought the Pack within two once more. Guard Emilie Tassler later tied the game at with another steal and lay up. State had its largest lead of the game at the twelve minute mark with a 39-34 lead.
“I felt like we had a couple timely turnovers, and some defensive lapses here and there will swing that momentum back in their favor,” Harper said. “They shoot and pass the ball well on the floor well enough they [could] capitalize.”
Wisconsin began to pull away slightly going into the final minutes, but State did not back down. With 1:20 seconds left, White took an offensive foul with the score at 46-51, but Wisconsin pulled away with a lay up from guard Alyssa Karel to give it a five point lead.
“I have to credit Wisconsin. Their players were educating a great game plan and their team was able to dictate the tempo and make big baskets when they needed them,” Harper said. A missed three-point attempt from Kastanek with eight seconds left dashed any hopes for the Pack, leaving the final score at 48-53.
State will continue its homestand as it hosts Texas Christian Sunday at 2 p.m.
