MADISON, Wisc. – Competing for the first time in the Badger State as a program, the San Diego women's basketball team (4-7, 0-0 WCC) came up short on the road against Wisconsin (8-3, 1-0 Big Ten) by a 72-46 final score on Wednesday afternoon.
Kylie Ray put together a strong performance off of the USD bench as she scored 17 points and grabbed four rebounds during Wednesday's game at the Kohl Center.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Getting the morning started in the Midwest, USD's defense was energized from the jump as Olivia Owens came up with a steal and started the break the other way leading to a turnaround jumper for Hallie Rhodes that gave the Toreros an early lead.
- After the Badgers scored the next five points of the quarter, USD was able to answer back quickly as Owens buried a long three-point shot to even the game back at five.
- Wisconsin would go on to extend their lead up to double digits before H. Rhodes scored a layup after a nice feed from her twin Jayden Rhodes as the Toreros trailed 26-12 at the end of the first quarter.
- Coming out strong to start the second quarter, USD put together an initial 4-0 spurt as both Ray and Owens connected from mid range to make it a 26-16 score early on.
- Later on in the period, San Diego got the lead back down to eight as Helen Holley scored a jumper to make it a 28-20 game with 5:25 left until the break.
- After the Badgers were able to build some separation, Ray delivered a key three-point knockdown that made the score 35-24 Wisconsin heading into the locker room.
- Following a run from the Badgers to start the second half, the Toreros got on the board on a Malia Tharpe free throw and Ray put home a layup that made the score 57-29.
- Ray would go on to continue her strong scoring game by making her third three point shot of the game as USD trailed 60-32 entering the final quarter of play.
- The Toreros continued to battle throughout the fourth quarter as J. Rhodes found herself open in the corner and knocked down an outside shot to make it a 64-37 score.
- San Diego would go on a late run in the quarter as Williams made a pair of free throws, Tharpe scored a layup and Owens knocked down another mid range shot before ultimately coming up short in Madison by a 74-46 final score.
TORERO TIDBITS
- Ray had a standout performance off the USD bench as she scored 17 points, grabbed four rebounds and made all three point shots she attempted against Wisconsin.
- Doing a little bit of everything off USD's bench, J. Rhodes scored three points, came down with four boards and delivered a pair of assists against the Badgers.
NEXT UP
The Toreros now look forward to returning home for their final game of the week this Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 p.m. against UC Riverside (2-6, 1-1 Big West) for Holiday Hoops in the JCP. Ticket, live video and live statistic links for Sunday's game can be found via the team's schedule page.
