After nine games, the Wisconsin women’s basketball team (7-2, 0-1) has impressed most of its preseason critics. Despite Sunday’s 70-55 loss to No. 9 Ohio State (9-1, 1-0), the Badgers have shown outstanding resiliency throughout the season. Between having played their last five games on the road and Friday’s upcoming showdown in Marquette, Wisconsin has not competed in the Kohl Center since Nov. 24.

“I was very proud of our team and the way we went into Ohio State with a different look on our face than we’ve had in the past,” UW head coach Lisa Stone said. “There was no intimidation, there was an unbelievable belief in the game plan; you’re playing a team that’s been ranked as high as second in the country, averaging well over 80 points a game and it’s 28-20 at halftime. We weren’t celebrating at halftime, we just knew we had to stick to the game plan.”

Badgers impress with resiliency, focus

In its conference opener against Ohio State, Wisconsin surprised the Buckeyes with a quick start in the first half. Up eight at halftime, the Badgers ultimately fell short in the second half as the Buckeyes lit up the scoreboard with 50 points. However, Stone was impressed with the resiliency her squad displayed.

“We talk about being resilient, we talk about understanding who we are and how we play, and there’s a lot of really good things to take out of that game,” Stone said.

With in-state rival Marquette their next opponent, Wisconsin will be looking to continue their strong road play. Having defeated UW-Milwaukee and lost a close game to UW-Green Bay, the Badgers will be looking to have a winning record against their in-state rivals.

“Anytime you play anybody in the state, you throw out the records,” Stone said. “You’re going to get everybody’s best shot, and it’s important that we understand that Marquette’s a very good team… . We’re going to their place and it’s important that we continue to take the good from these last few games that we’ve had and continue the momentum, continue to do the good things that we do.”

Offense suddenly hard to come by

After beginning the season by scoring at least 60 points in four of their first five games, the Badgers have had trouble maintaining consistency on offense. Since traveling to Eugene, Ore., for the World Vision Invitational, Wisconsin has not scored more than 57 points. Two of those five games also saw Wisconsin fail to reach 50 points, a far cry from the 62 points the Badgers are averaging per game.

“It’s a possession game,” Stone said, downplaying the notion of offensive troubles. “If we have 50 and they have 45, it’s going to come out on the right end of the track. Again, we’re in the midst of a six-game road swing… our team has definitely shown some toughness, some resiliency, just an amazing ability to overcome some tough situations.”

Against Ohio State, junior guard and Wisconsin’s leading scorer Alyssa Karel tied for the team lead with 10 points, more than two points below her season average. Aside from looking for more offense from her leading scorer, Stone also is counting on the Badgers’ post players, primarily junior forwards Tara Steinbauer and Lin Zastrow, to put up better numbers.

“I’d like to see, obviously, more points on the board,” Stone said. “We’re doing what we have to do on the defensive end, and we’ve challenged some of our players. In particular, our post players to get some production in that post on the block that’s going to help on the perimeter as well.”