MADISON, WI – Bradley Women's Basketball battled back from a double-digit deficit in the second half but fell short against the Wisconsin Badgers in a 71-65 loss on Tuesday night at the Kohl Center. The Braves erased an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to tie the game in the final minute, but Wisconsin pulled away in the closing seconds to secure the victory.
A Competitive First Half
The Braves opened the game trading baskets with Wisconsin, taking an early 7-6 lead behind a three-pointer from Mya Wardle. However, the Badgers responded with a scoring run to take a 14-10 advantage after the first quarter.
Bradley continued to battle in the second quarter, briefly reclaiming the lead at 17-16 behind strong play from Kali Fortson, who scored six points in the period. Wisconsin answered with a 12-2 run to build a nine-point advantage before the Braves cut into the deficit.
Bradley closed the half within striking distance, trailing 32-27 heading into the locker room.
Standout Performances for Bradley
The Braves featured a balanced offensive attack, with four players scoring in double figures.
Inia Jones led Bradley with 13 points, knocking down three three-pointers, while Ellie McDermid recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. McDermid also contributed five assists.
Mya Wardle filled the stat sheet with 11 points, eight assists and seven rebounds while connecting on three shots from beyond the arc.
Charia Smith added 10 points and six rebounds, shooting an efficient 5-of-7 from the field.
Bradley finished the night shooting 44.8 percent from the field and connected on nine three-pointers. The Braves also recorded 23 assists on 26 made field goals, showcasing strong ball movement throughout the contest.
The Comeback Fell Short
Bradley opened the second half with momentum, using back-to-back three-pointers from McDermid to take a 35-34 lead early in the third quarter.
Wisconsin responded with a 14-0 run to regain control, eventually building an 11-point advantage entering the fourth quarter, 53-42.
The Braves refused to go away, opening the final period with three-pointers from Wardle and Jones to cut the deficit to five. Bradley continued to chip away at Wisconsin's lead, with timely baskets from Smith and Jones keeping the game within reach.
Trailing 65-61 with just over two minutes remaining, Bradley scored four unanswered points behind baskets from Smith and McDermid to tie the game at 65-65 with 52 seconds remaining.
However, Wisconsin's Teagan Mallegni connected on a go-ahead three-pointer with 28 seconds left, and the Badgers converted three free throws down the stretch to secure the 71-65 victory.
Bradley outscored Wisconsin 23-18 in the fourth quarter but could not complete the comeback.
Defensive Notes
The Braves held Wisconsin to just 2-of-18 shooting from beyond the arc, limiting the Badgers to 11.1 percent from three-point range.
Bradley also controlled the glass, outrebounding Wisconsin 39-33, including 10 offensive rebounds that helped generate 17 second-chance points.
Wisconsin found success inside, holding a 56-32 advantage in points in the paint and outscoring Bradley 23-2 in fast-break points.
Turnovers proved costly for the Braves, who committed 20 compared to just eight by Wisconsin. The Badgers capitalized with 19 points off turnovers, helping offset Bradley's advantage from beyond the arc.
Despite the loss, Bradley showed resilience in its season opener, overcoming a double-digit deficit to give itself an opportunity to win in the final minute.