Badgers Steal One From The Cowgirls In Overtime

Despite 24 points and 11 rebounds from Aubrey Vandiver, the Wisconsin Badgers were able to score six unanswered points in the final regulation minutes to force overtime where they went on to defeat the Wyoming Cowgirls, 63-59, on Wednesday night at the Double-A.

The Cowgirls (6-4) took their biggest lead of the night when Jade Kennedy sunk her fourth 3 of the night and gave her team a 54-48 lead with 1:42 to play.  Wisconsin (5-7) senior point guard Alyssa Karel made a couple of free throws and 6'4" senior forward Lin Zastrow hit a jumpshot and then tipped in a missed shot from Karel to tie the game while Wyoming was unable to make any plays on their end.  The Cowgirls had 12 seconds at the end of regulation to win the game, but a jumper from Hillary Carlson rolled around and out as time expired.

"We got the ball to Hillary where we wanted to, Hillary made a nice spin move and the ball just rimmed out."  -Head Coach Joe Legerski

In overtime Vandiver was triple teamed by Wisconsin, who had gained confidence in the final stretch of regulation which carried over in the extra minutes.  A layup and a couple of free throws from Vandiver brought the Cowgirls to 58-60, but they would be unable to generate enough offense to catch the Badgers in the end and Wyoming lost 59-63.

The first half saw a lot of perimeter shooting from the Cowgirls as the Badgers kept too much from developing in the paint.  Jade Kennedy went 3-3 from beyond the arc, while Vandiver and Ashley Sickles each had a 3.  A Vandiver layup put Wyoming up 25-24 with 5:01 to go in the first half, but then a slow, defensive battle would ensue with Wisconsin taking the lead off of two buckets from Zastrow.  Wyoming went into halftime down 26-28.

Vandiver's double-double was the 28th of her career and 4th this season.  Jade Kennedy finished the night with 12 points, all from beyond the arc, and 7 rebounds.  Hillary Carlson, who was in foul trouble for most of the game was held to 10 points and 4 boards.  Sophomore Ashley Sickles was then able to get 6 points and 5 rebounds.

Wisconsin was led by Zastrow who came up with 18 points and 5 rebounds followed by Karel with 14 points and sophomore Taylor Wurtz who had 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Wyoming's next game will be at home in the Arena-Auditorium against the Washington State Cougars on Saturday, December 18th.  Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. with coverage starting at 1:30 on Y95.