The Badgers prepare for Border Battle against Minnesota

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin (4-11, 0-4 B1G) returns home to prepare for a Border Battle against the University of Minnesota this upcoming Sunday, Jan. 8. Tip time is set for 3:00 pm from the Kohl Center and the game can be streamed on B1G+ or listened to on WTSO. 

Here are five things to know before the Badgers compete against the Gophers: 

1. PETREE LED PURDUE: In the first game of 2023, Wisconsin came up short against Purdue in West Lafayette. The Boilermakers were paced by Lasha Petree who led the opposing team with 18 points. Avery LaBarbera finished the night off with 16 points and 6 rebounds of her own, however, the 26 turnovers for the Badgers made it difficult for Wisconsin to succeed offensively. With two minutes to play in the third quarter, the deficit was cut down to just one, but the 14 points scored in the fourth quarter off of Wisconsin’s seven turnovers propelled the Boilermakers to the victory.

2. LETHAL LABARBERA: The High Point transfer continues to impress on the court for the Badgers. In the game against Purdue, the fifth-year came up just one point short of tying her season-high points at 17. Against Illinois in the game before, LaBarbera ended the contest with five steals which was a career-best for her at Wisconsin. The 2022 Patriot League Player of the Year went 7-13 last Sunday which was the guard’s season-best for both field goals made and shots attempted.

3. SHOOTING SUCCESS: Although the Badgers are still looking for their first win in the last four games, Wisconsin has finished with a higher made field-goal percentage than its opponent in the last two games. The team is finding success from the floor going 23-47 on New Year’s Day which was the second-highest FGM/A of the 2022-2023 season. The Badgers have also finished the last two games with three players ending with double figures in points which is necessary in order for the team to find that win they are fighting for.

4. TURNOVER TROUBLES: Despite the fact that Wisconsin is doing well scoring, the number of turnovers makes it difficult for the Badgers to take advantage of their shooting success. The Red and White turned the ball over 26 times against the Boilermakers and 22 against Illinois. With Purdue capitalizing on that, the opponent scored 30 points off of the mistakes and put the game out of reach for…