Box Score
MADISON, Wisc. - The EIU Panthers fell to the Wisconsin Badgers 63-55 Tuesday night. The Panthers stayed in the game for the first half, despite being out-rebounded by 13 at the end of the half.
Abby Wahl had a career day against the Badgers, scoring 23 and shooting 56.3% on the game. Wahl also led Eastern in rebound with seven on the game. EIU struggled against the length of the Badgers, being out-rebounded by 13 total. Taylor Steel was the other Panther who scored double digits, with 15 on the day.
The Panthers started the first few minutes of the game strong, leading in the beginning. The Panthers defense looked like it was going to give the Badgers problems, however Wisconsin went off on a run and never looked back. The Badgers led at the end of the first 22-15, with
Taylor Steele leading the Panthers in scoring with 6 points.
Neither team was shooting particularly well in the second quarter, with Wisconsin shooting 23.1%, and EIU shooting 33.3% going into the final minutes of the half. The name of the game was offensive rebounds for the Badgers. Wisconsin out-rebounded 28-15 at half, along with nine more offensive rebounds than the Panthers. Wisconsin took advantage of the, scoring 14 points off of second chance points in the half. At half, the Badgers led 31-28. Wahl led all scorers with 12 points at halftime.
Eastern got off to a rough start coming out of half. Wisconsin outscored the Panthers 12-1 in the first five minutes of the third quarter. The Panthers couldn't control the ball, turning the ball over eight times in the third quarter alone.
Taylor Steele kept the Panthers in the game, scoring 5 points in the quarter, putting her at 13 on the game. Wisconsin led Eastern 48-36 at the end of the third.
The Panthers didn't go out without a fight, scoring 11 points in the first five minutes of the final quarter.
Jordyn Hughes and Wahl each managed to get a three-pointer, bringing EIU within 11 points of the Badgers. The Panthers cut the deficit to , but could not overcome the third quarter deficit, and ultimately lost to the Badgers 63-55.
Eastern will look to bounce against Lipscomb on Sunday.